Drywashing for Fine Gold

October 2017 by Alex Dolbeare

When working fine gold placers with a drywasher, there are some natural variables that can be beneficial as well as others that can be a hindrance to achieving good recovery.

Hard Rock 101: Micro Blasting

July 2020

Micro blasting can be used to take down hanging rock, separate minerals from overburden, and collect gemstones and other high-value product with minimal damage.

The Hunch

February 2019

The mysteries of this spot were only just starting to develop. There is nothing but very bland granite-type rocks here,  meaning no bold, favorable indicators.

Crushing Quartz in Calaveras County: A Placer Miner Learns New Tricks

June 2014
I had never run an impact mill before, but anything involving rocks, water and a big electric motor sounded great.

It's Hard to Find Gold!

October 2013
...even the best prospectors have times when they do not find gold. It is all about taking chances against tough odds and succeeding.

Q&A With Detector Designer Dave Johnson

September 2011
...it’s been a little known secret that one man was involved in designing many of the most respected very low frequency (VLF) nugget detectors on the market. Dave Johnson has designed gold-oriented detectors for Tesoro, Whites, Fisher and others for more than 25 years.

Rediscovering Placerville, California

February 2011
Several areas came to mind, but each was eliminated for one reason or another. One that seemed to be hanging on was the old historic mining town called Placerville.

What, Where and How for the New Prospector

September 2013
How to go about the entire process of prospecting is a big question. The answer comes down to research and preparation.

Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill   • Legislative and Regulatory Update   • Ask The Experts - Where should I get my geology degree?   • Ask The Experts - How much rock shall I crush to determine the value?   • Placers Directly Associated with Lode Deposits   • Is It Time for a Change? New Ways to Find More Gold   • MMAC Update   • Silverton's Gold   • Procuring Mine Owner Permission at a Mine Site   • Champions Crowned at the California State Gold Panning Championships   • ICMJ Gold Prospecting and Mining Summit Postponed   • Kennecott Copper Mine, Kennecott, Alaska   • High Prices for Gold, Silver & Copper: What Does it Mean for Prospectors?   • Melman on Gold & Silver   • Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices

Free:
Ask The Experts - Is there a standard percentage given to land owners who hold the mineral rights?