At times of economic and political turmoil, investors buy gold since it is considered a safe investment.
And during the current recession, gold has lived up to its reputation. Its price peaked at more than a thousand dollars an ounce.
But for those at the bottom of the gold industry ladder, there is little reward.
Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The World Cup football tournament kicks off in one week, and host South Africa is busy putting on the finishing touches. But not everyone is looking forward to the tournament. Authorites in cities including Cape Town are being accused of clearing the poor from the streets - to create a good impression for visiting fans. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa has more.