The phrase denotes activities or businesses related to the extraction and trade of precious metals. This includes prospecting, mining operations, refining processes, and the sale of bullion, coins, and other forms of gold and silver. An example would be a firm that acquires mining claims, develops extraction techniques, and then sells the recovered metals to industrial or investment clients.
Such ventures play a significant role in global economies, providing raw materials for manufacturing, serving as a store of value for investors, and contributing to local and national wealth. Historically, these activities have spurred exploration, development, and settlement in various regions, influencing trade routes and geopolitical landscapes.