Ask the Experts

February 2015 by Chris Ralph

Montana’s Rosetta Stone: Discovering Mines In The Treasure State

May 2015
This is the intelligent way to start modern prospecting. The value of literary research yields challenging outings, specimens, history and geologic research.

Hard Rock University: Expensive Hobby or Real Business?

July 2015
Improper sampling techniques lead to more avoidable heartache than almost anything else in micro mining.

Proper Assaying of Placer Samples

November 2012
The whole purpose of sampling mineralized ground is to measure the values in a small volume of material that would be representative of a much larger volume of similar material. The key word is representative. Chemical and fire assaying will not accurately represent placer deposits by themselves.

Piggin' for Gold

May 2015
Take a look at the picture—it’s pretty simple and you can build it yourself.

Prospecting for Diamonds

January 2013
Let’s take a look at diamonds and diamond mining and see how they form, how they are used beyond just jewelry, and what leads geologists to find diamond deposits.

From Curiosity to Mine Owner

August 2015
His brother’s friend showed him a vial of gold that originated from his family’s mine in Honduras. Within two weeks Ernie had flown to Honduras to get a first-hand tour of the historic mine and the primitive operation underway to recover the gold.

Explosives and Mining

July 2011
Explosives used correctly will save you both time and money being one of the best and most productive tools you can use.

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