Researchers from the University of Oulu’s Environmental Microbiome Department have revealed that microscopic gold particles were found inside pine trees, suggesting that these trees could serve as biological indicators of hidden gold reserves beneath the surface. This surprising finding opens up an entirely new chapter in geological exploration.
According to the study, pine trees growing in Norway and Finland collect gold particles with the help of bacteria known as endophytes. These bacteria live symbiotically inside plants, aiding their nutrition and growth. Scientists discovered that the same bacteria also absorb gold particles from the soil through the roots and store them within the plant.
This process, known as biomineralization, involves living organisms controlling the formation and accumulation of minerals within their structures.
The research was led by environmental scientist Dr. Kaisa Lähusmaa at the University of Oulu. Her team collected 138 samples from 23 pine trees growing near the Kittilä gold mine in northern Finland. Four of the trees contained detectable traces of gold particles.
Experts say this discovery could pave the way for a natural, eco-friendly method of gold exploration, reducing the environmental impact of traditional mining techniques.
