In a remarkable discovery, scientists have found that Mount Erebus, the highest active volcano in Antarctica, is emitting gold particles along with volcanic gases.

• This finding, which sheds light on a phenomenon first observed by American geologists in 1991, underscores the unique geological activity of the region.
• According to researchers, the detection of gold particles in volcanic gases emitted by Mount Erebus, as well as in surrounding snow, remains consistent with observations made three decades ago.
• The daily output of gold from the volcano is estimated to be approximately 2.8 ounces (80 grams), a figure consistent with previous findings.
• Philip Kyle from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology explained that gold deposits can originate in volcanic rock.
• When lava from Mount Erebus emits hot gas during volcanic activity, it carries some of these gold particles into the air.
• The size of the gold flecks ranges from 0.1 to 20 micrometers in the volcanic gases and approximately 60 micrometers in surrounding snow.
• Situated on Ross Island in Antarctica, Mount Erebus is one of the region's 138 active volcanoes. Along with Deception Island, it is one of only two active volcanoes in the area. The volcano's daily emission of gold dust, valued at $6,000, highlights its significance in the geological landscape of Antarctica.