Gold Production can seem daunting to many players, but it can be a powerful tool when used correctly.
The first thing to learn is the effect of buffs on different level buildings. For instance, a level 5 building (when buffed) will use the buff more effeciently than a level 1 building. This is because the buff affects 5 resources per cycle, instead of 1.
Ideally, you want each of your gold production buildings (mines, smelters, and coinages) to be level 5, in order to maximize your buffs. Never run any gold building unbuffed, as this is a waste of resources, since unbuffed gold production chains only produce 1 coin for every 8 gold ore inputed. However, by keeping all gold production buildings buffed with x2 buffs, you can keep the ratio at 1 coin for every 2 ore. By buffing with x3 or x4 buffs, you can begin making more coins than gold ore!
It is easier to keep your gold production constantly buffed if you run one section at a time. For example. First I will run my level five goldmine with a rainbow snow buff on it (which lasts four days). Next, I will run my smelters with x3 buffs. When all of the smelter buffs have run out, I turn off the smelters and reactivate my coinage, and buff it with a x3 or x4 buff. By only running one stage of the gold production at a time, I can maximize my buff efficiency, and keep waste to a minimum.
Now, a normal gold deposit (300 ore) will not last long with a level 5 mine, and it is wothwhile to periodically refill the deposit with gold ore. You can buy the refill from the Merchant for gems, or you can gain it as a reward from some adventures. It can also be purchased from the Trade Market. Generally, you get the highest return on your investment when you get the refill from an adventure loot, because it costed you little. Buying the refills in the Trade Market is less profitable, since you ussually have to pay coins to buy the refill. However, you can still make a good profit from trade-gotten refills. Buying refills with gems is a waste of good gems on a temporary gain. Save your gems for longer lasting items, such as buildings and specialists.
All in all, if you are careful with your buffs and keepyour mines refilled, it's really quite easy to have a powerful gold production, esspecially if you never have to rebuild mines!