Farmer discovers gold worth €4 billion on his private land – here's what happens next

Time of India

14-05-2025

A farmer in central France has discovered a large gold deposit on his private land, with early estimates suggesting it could be worth more than €4 billion.
The discovery has attracted national attention, but any excitement was short-lived.
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The French government has suspended all activity at the site, citing the need for a detailed review.
Officials say they will assess environmental impacts and legal questions before allowing any further steps. What could have been a major personal breakthrough is now on hold, as authorities weigh the implications of such a significant find.
, a 52-year-old farmer from the Auvergne region, was inspecting his land as usual when he noticed something unusual in a nearby stream.
'I was just doing a routine check of my land,' he said, as quoted by Daily Galaxy. 'Then I saw this strange shine in the mud. When I dug a little deeper, I couldn't believe what I was holding in my hands.'
What
found were real gold nuggets. News of the discovery spread quickly, drawing the attention of experts. Early assessments suggest the land could hold over 150 tonnes of gold– an amount that surprised even experienced geologists, as reported by Daily Galaxy
Soon after, government officials arrived at the site.
Michel was informed that, under French natural resource laws, no mining or extraction would be allowed until thorough environmental and legal reviews are completed.
'They told me nothing can happen until all the tests are done. I understand the need for caution, but it's hard not to be disappointed,' Michel said, as quoted by Daily Galaxy.
The land has now been sealed off from any commercial activity as environmental studies and legal reviews get underway.
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In France, natural resources are tightly regulated, even when found on private property. The government retains authority over what lies underground, and any discovery must go through a detailed approval process before any potential extraction or profit can move forward.
In the nearby areas, reactions have been mixed. Some residents view the discovery as a potential economic boost for a region that usually stays out of the spotlight.
Others are concerned about the possible impact of industrial mining on the local environment and the area's quiet way of life. 'We love the peace and quiet of our countryside. I hope all this doesn't change everything overnight,' a local woman said, highlighting growing concerns among residents, as quoted by Daily Galaxy.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns, warning that the long-term damage from mining could outweigh any short-term economic benefits.
The Auvergne region is known for its rich biodiversity, and large-scale extraction could have lasting effects on the natural landscape.
Meanwhile, Michel, who once lived a quiet, private life, is now at the centre of growing attention. Reporters, officials, geologists, and speculators have begun arriving, turning his land into a hub of activity and making privacy increasingly difficult to maintain. 'My life is like an open book now,' he said, as quoted by Daily Galaxy. 'Every day, someone new is asking questions. Some people are even trying to buy land nearby, hoping they'll get lucky too.
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