5 Surprising Industrial Uses of Gold in Technology

Gold isn’t just for jewellery or investment bars; it’s a critical player in modern technology, powering industries in ways you might not realise. With its unique properties—corrosion resistance, conductivity, and malleability—gold is indispensable in cutting-edge applications. “Gold is no longer just a symbol of wealth; it’s the backbone of technological progress, from life-saving medical devices to the satellites guiding our future,” says South African materials scientist Dr. Sarah Nkosi. Here are five industrial uses of gold that highlight why it’s vital to technology. 

1. Electronics: The Backbone of Connectivity 

Gold’s exceptional conductivity makes it a star in electronics. It’s used in circuit boards, connectors, and microchips in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Unlike copper, gold doesn’t tarnish, ensuring reliable performance. Without gold, your phone’s signal could falter, and devices would fail faster. 

2. Medical Devices: Saving Lives with Precision 

Gold’s biocompatibility—its ability to safely interact with the human body—makes it crucial in medical technology. It’s used in diagnostic equipment, like MRI scanners, and implants, such as pacemakers. Bio-tech companies are developing gold-coated stents that resist corrosion and improve heart surgery outcomes. Gold nanoparticles are also revolutionising cancer treatment, targeting tumours with pinpoint accuracy. This is a game-changer for healthcare innovation. 

3. Aerospace: Reaching for the Stars 

Gold’s reflectivity and durability shine in aerospace. It coats satellite components and spacecraft shields, protecting them from solar radiation and extreme temperatures. The space industry relies on gold-plated instruments for precision data collection. Globally, each satellite launch uses about 50 grams of gold, a small but critical amount. 

4. Renewable Energy: Powering a Green Future 

Gold plays a surprising role in clean energy. It’s used in solar panels, where thin gold layers enhance conductivity in photovoltaic cells, boosting efficiency. This is huge in South Africa, where solar adoption grew 25% in 2024. Gold is also vital in hydrogen fuel cells, powering eco-friendly vehicles. With the global push for green tech, gold’s role in sustainable energy is a hidden gem. 

5. Nanotechnology: The Future in Miniature 

Gold’s versatility shines in nanotechnology, where gold nanoparticles drive innovation. They’re used in high-precision sensors for detecting pollutants, which are critical in mining and environmental monitoring. Scientists use gold in next-gen data storage in research labs, squeezing terabytes into tiny chips. This tech could transform industries, creating high-skill jobs for South Africans. 

Why Tech Innovations Will Continue to Drive Gold Prices Up 

Gold’s critical role in technology is fuelling its soaring value. Its scarcity—global mine production is just 3,000 tons annually—combined with growing demand from tech industries, creates a supply-demand crunch. Gold’s unmatched conductivity and corrosion resistance are vital for electronics, medical devices, and renewable energy systems, with no cost-effective substitute. “As technology evolves, gold’s scarcity and unique properties make it irreplaceable, driving its value higher in an innovation-hungry world,” notes Mark Botha, a mining analyst at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. As innovation accelerates and reserves dwindle, gold’s price will climb.