— and the Ever-Increasing Need for it
The end of August is when the Canadian National Exhibition fair (also known as the CNE or the Ex) comes to Toronto at the Exhibition grounds bordering Lake Ontario. The fair signals the unofficial big and noisy end to the lazy fun-filled days of summer. It’s a rite of passage for many and, as part of the closing Labour Day weekend, an airshow takes place Saturday through Monday.
That Saturday a couple of weeks ago, I happened to be stuck in traffic around lunchtime on the Gardiner Expressway that runs alongside the lake. Out of nowhere came an earth-shattering roar and four fighter jets in a diamond formation thundered over the highway in front of me… the Blue Angels, the US Navy’s elite aerobatic team. It was thrilling!
Now thoroughly enjoying being stuck in traffic so I could sit and watch, I settled into the experience of ear-splitting jet engines, spectacular aerial manoeuvres and precision formation flying that was absolutely breathtaking.
According to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, these sleek aircraft can reach speeds of up to 1400 mph/2253 kmh, although they slow it down for air shows to a more sedate 700 mph/1126 kmh.
I was lucky enough many years ago to go on board an aircraft carrier and see some magnificent fighter jets up close. Neatly lined up one behind the other on the massive flight deck, they towered over us in their silent and powerful majesty. I’ve been in awe of them ever since.
As I watched the display two weeks ago, I thought about the journey from the first successful air flight of the Kitty Hawk built by the Wright brothers back in 1903 to the best of the best we have today. And of the part that gold plays in our present-day versions.
Yes, gold.
The qualities of gold
Gold is unrivalled in the qualities it possesses: superior electrical conductivity, exceptional thermal capabilities, and an excellent resistance to corrosion.
As Julie Sims of Valence Surface Technologies says in an article about gold plating in the aerospace industry, “Gold is considered malleable, practically indestructible, and completely recyclable while also being virtually immune to the effects of water, air, and oxygen. It is a crucial component in many industrial, aerospace, medical, and electrical applications due to its distinctive combination of properties. Gold is one of the most electrically conductive metals and is also an excellent conductor of heat or thermal energy.
“Gold plating is helpful for parts that need to remain flexible while also having wear or corrosion resistance. The element is non-reactive and has a high electrical conductivity. Even though it is the priciest electroplating option, it is by far the best way to ensure the worth and quality of your product.”
How is gold used in aircraft
With qualities like these, it’s easy to understand why it’s in high demand, including in the aerospace industry. Consider the following examples of how gold is used in aircraft, just a few of many:
- Gold, silver, palladium and platinum are used in aircraft engine parts such as blades, fuel nozzles, heat exchangers and vanes.
- Gold is used in circuitry and helps stabilize the temperature due to its reflective quality. Without gold coating the dark surfaces, they would absorb more heat and break down faster.
- Gold is also used as a coating on airplane windscreens to reflect infra-red radiation.
- Stealth aircraft use it in their canopies to scatter radio waves as well as to deflect harmful electromagnetic waves.
- And it’s used in space suits for protection from radiation and to deflect the heat of the sun.
The need for sustainable gold mining
Because our aerospace industry relies heavily on gold, we know there will continue to be a demand for it. As we come out of the hottest three months ever recorded on the planet, we know our actions must urgently reflect careful and considered next steps in everything we undertake.
If gold mining (and, indeed, mining of any type) is to benefit rather than negatively impact the environment, we must ensure it’s done in a sustainable manner. Meaning, we respect the land where we mine and the host communities, and ensure good governance practices are in place and adhered to.
Being diligent about it and proactive means we’ll stand a much better chance of leaving a livable planet for our future generations to enjoy. And perhaps green-powered fighter jets will be part of that future.
At SOOP Strategies, we specialize in sustainability for the extractives sector. Contact us to find out more.