1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Switzerland: From gravel to gold

04:54

This browser does not support the video element.

Philipp Zahn
March 27, 2026

A Swiss company uses a sustainable method to extract gold dust from the ground. This chemical-free process makes natural gold especially pure and is popular with buyers.

Gold prices have surged by 140% in two years, but traditional mining often harms people and the environment. In Switzerland, prospectors extract exceptionally pure “natural gold” from gravel pits — without chemicals and with simple washing techniques. 

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW