In May 2025, groundbreaking research revealed that Earth's core is leaking gold and other precious metals to the surface. This challenges long-held beliefs about the isolation of our planet's innermost layer. The study, conducted by geochemists at the University of Göttingen, provides compelling evidence of a dynamic connection between the Earth's core, mantle, and crust.
Scientists analyzed volcanic rocks from Hawaii, detecting high concentrations of ruthenium-100, an isotope more prevalent in the Earth's core. This discovery indicates that material from the core is transported to the Earth's mantle through superheated plumes, eventually reaching the surface. Dr. Nils Messling, a geochemist at Göttingen University, stated, "Our data confirms that material from the core, including gold and other precious metals, is leaking into the Earth's mantle above."
The Earth's core, formed 4.5 billion years ago, holds over 99.999% of the planet's gold and precious metals. This research opens new perspectives on Earth's inner dynamics and the distribution of valuable resources. The findings suggest that some accessible precious metals may originate from this core-leaking process.