Camilla Jessen
A French farmer made the discovery of a lifetime—only to be told he can’t keep any of it.
When Michel Dupont noticed a strange glint in the stream running through his property, he never imagined it would lead to the discovery of one of the largest gold finds in French history.
Experts estimate the deposit could weigh as much as 150 tons, with a market value of roughly €4 billion. But according to French law, Dupont isn’t entitled to keep any of it — not even a single nugget.
This was reported by the news portal noticiastrabajo.
“I Thought It Was a Dream”
Dupont first noticed the shimmer under the water and alerted local authorities after consulting with neighbors.
Word spread quickly, and within days, government officials were on his doorstep.
French law dictates that all underground resources belong to the state, regardless of who owns the land above. Mining is also prohibited until extensive environmental studies are completed.
The discovery has split the community.
Supporters of mining argue that the gold could revive the region’s economy, bring jobs, and stem the flow of young people leaving rural areas.
The Auvergne region, while known for its scenic landscapes, faces the same economic stagnation and demographic decline affecting much of rural France.
“This could be the chance we’ve been waiting for,” said one local business owner.
But environmental advocates and many residents are pushing back, citing the ecological costs of mining. “We love our landscape the way it is,” one villager said. “Hopefully the gold doesn’t destroy everything.”
The Future of “Green” Gold Mining?
Experts suggest that modern, less invasive mining techniques could offer a compromise.
Methods like bacterial gold extraction and closed-loop water recycling, already in use in countries like Canada, may reduce the environmental footprint.
But skepticism remains high.
Even if approved, any potential mining operation is years away, with bureaucratic hurdles and legal disputes ahead.
For now, Dupont’s land has become a media magnet, drawing journalists, scientists, and legal teams — and ending his once-quiet life as a small-scale farmer.