Unexpected Magnetism in Gold Nanomaterials Explained

LONDON, March 28, 2011 - The recently discovered magnetic properties of gold nanoparticles are the
subject of the lead article in the new issue of the journal, Gold Bulletin.
The paper, "Unexpected magnetism in gold nanostructures: Making gold even
more attractive," by Professor Simon Trudel, University of Calgary, explains
the cause of the unexpected magnetism in gold and explores how these
properties could lead to potential applications in catalysis, medicine and
data storage.

Professor Trudel observed:

"The possibility of chemically turning on magnetism in gold
nanostructures is a unique feature. One can envisage how gold based sensors
could be designed whereby detection of a substance could lead to the onset of
magnetism. Such sensors might be used in medical testing for example."

Published for over 40 years, Gold Bulletin is the international journal
covering the latest science, technology and applications of gold. The new
issue features papers on gold nanotechnology, catalysis, chemistry and
materials science.

Dr Richard Holliday, Director, Technology at the World Gold Council and
editor of Gold Bulletin, commented:

"Whilst gold has a long and fascinating history in technology, new
research continues to open up exciting and innovative applications for the
metal. This new paper describing gold's unexpected magnetism demonstrates
Gold Bulletin's continued role in highlighting cutting-edge developments."

Each issue of Gold Bulletin includes a broad spread of high quality
research papers and timely reviews of a particular aspect of gold. There is
also a regular 'Highlights' section, providing insights on key gold-related
publications from other leading research journals, as well as important
gold-related patents that have been recently published.

As part of a recent agreement, Gold Bulletin will now be published by
Springer, a leading global scientific publisher of books and journals, while
the World Gold Council will sponsor and edit it. This will result in the
journal benefiting from Springer's wider distribution channels, as unlike
many subscription-based journals, continued free access to the publication
will ensure the widest possible readership.

To view the journal please visit:
www.springer.com/materials/special+types/journal/13404

To download the article please visit:
www.springerlink.com/content/v4qn44×550125588/

Gold : The hidden element in innovation

The World Gold Council recently announced its 'lab to market' initiative,
aimed at bridging the gap between government-funded early-stage research and
venture capital-backed commercialisation, through investment in gold-related
technology in the fields of medical diagnosis and treatment, the environment
and renewable energy.

This report and accompanying video can be viewed at
www.gold.org/media/.

The World Gold Council is interested in working with researchers and
companies developing gold-based innovations and encourages relevant parties
to contact technology@gold.org or visit our website at
www.gold.org/technology for more information.

Note to editors:

World Gold Council

The World Gold Council is the market development organisation for the
gold industry. Working within the investment, jewellery and technology
sectors, as well as engaging in government affairs, our purpose is to provide
industry leadership, whilst stimulating and sustaining demand for gold.

We develop gold-backed solutions, services and markets, based on true
market insight. As a result, we create structural shifts in demand for gold
across key market sectors.

We provide insights into the international gold markets, helping people
to better understand the wealth preservation qualities of gold and its role
in meeting the social and environmental needs of society.

Based in the UK, with operations in India, the Far East, Turkey, Europe
and the USA, the World Gold Council is an association whose members include
the world's leading and most forward thinking gold mining companies. For
further information visit www.gold.org

For further information please contact:

    Stephanie Mackrell                 Mary Clark, Nathan Williams, Justine
                                       Lamond
    World Gold Council
                                       Capital MSL

    T  +44-207-826-4763                T    +44-207-307-5336
    E  Stephanie.mackrell@gold.org     E    Mary.clark@capitalmsl.com

Stephanie Mackrell, World Gold Council, T +44-207-826-4763, E Stephanie.mackrell at gold.org Mary Clark, Nathan Williams, Justine Lamond, Capital MSL, T +44-207-307-5336, E Mary.clark at capitalmsl.com