When I teach people about finding gold, I often explain that it is helpful to think of any river or stream that carries gold as being something like a sluice box.

• Conversion charts and tables
• Solutions to anti-mining efforts

Solar energy can be used for any size placer or hard rock mining operation. It is most practical for small and longer-term operations provided your mine is not located in a dense forest.

There are a few questions you will need to ask yourself before you apply for a suction dredge permit from the State Water Resources Control Board.

I had some success following this premise this summer, finding a few nuggets in places I think I overlooked in the past.