The discovery of a gold nugget at Sutter’s Mill in January 1848 set off a chain of events that would transform California.

Soaring gold prices, viral panning influencers, macho gold-mining reality shows, and Trump’s gold obsession have ignited a craze for prospecting not seen since 1849.

Desperate locals of Gugulethu township in Springs, east of Johannesburg, are hoping to strike it rich following rumours of untapped minerals near an old mine shaft. For over a week, zama-zamas ...