Does gold create a byproduct

Answer 1

Considering the categories where this question was asked, we may assume that the question is intended to ask if the production of gold creates any byproducts.

Since gold is an element, the production of gold is a matter of separating it from the ore containing it. Many of the mining operations to extract the ore create "byproducts" in the form of waste - like the parts of the ore that are NOT gold. Placer minining and sluicing separate out gold flakes and nuggets leaving behind mud and gravel.

Depending on how it is separated - additional byproducts can also be created. Once the ore is mined it can be treated as a whole ore using a dump leaching or heap leaching processes. This is typical of low-grade, oxide deposits. Normally, the ore is crushed and agglomerated prior to heap leaching. High grade ores and ores resistant to cyanide leaching at coarse particle sizes, require further processing in order to recover the gold values. The processing techniques can include grinding, concentration, roasting, and pressure oxidation prior to cyanidation. Once the gold is extracted, you still have the leftover waste materials including the cyanide - which may be considered byproducts. Gold ores also often contain other valuable metals which may be recovered as "byproducts".

Answer 2

Gold refining produces byproducts such as silver, platinum, and other precious metals. These byproducts are separated during the refining process and can be collected and processed for further use or sale.