Small Mining Operations
Ask the Experts: Silent partners and mining—is it worth the risk?
January 2014 by Chris Ralph
Critical Minerals Update
The critical metals are essential to the modern lives we lead. The prices of critical metals are moving up even faster than government published rates of inflation, with little sign of slowing down.
Pumping Water With Solar Power
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.
Reminder: Annual Claim Filings Due
Please note that new mining claims filed on or after September 1, 2019, will be subject to the new fee schedule.
Cyanide-Free Gold Separation

Dry Washer, Wet System or Metal Detector?

Specialized Equipment Available for Hire
Since we’ve already covered the basics of permitting a “Notice Level” mining operation, it’s time to talk actual mining.
Hard Rock 101: Micro Blasting
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.
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The Bawl Mill
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• Ask the Experts: Equipment and gold locations in Colorado
• Sierra County Gold—Part II
• The Silver Islet Mountains of Utah
• Gold Placers of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
• Alternative Gold Leaching Methods
• Over the Divide
• Prospecting for Diamonds in Kimberlite
• Additional Note Regarding "Strategic Metals—Part II"
• Take a Kid Detecting
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices
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Legislative and Regulatory Update
• California Gold Adventure