Emerging markets are leading the way in gold production, with foreign governments welcoming gold producers due to the benefits they bring to local communities. The United States has not recognized gold as a critical mineral, which is seen as a political issue and due to ample supply from other nations. Large-scale gold operations can bring advancements in energy sources to emerging markets. No Western market has identified gold as a critical mineral, likely due to the diversification of supply in emerging markets. Governments also find gold less attractive because it is used less in industry compared to other metals like silver.