Critical Minerals: Tungsten

July 2017 by Chris Ralph

Because tungsten minerals are heavy, exploration can be done using stream sediment samples. Prospectors looking for gold have found scheelite or wolframite in their placer concentrates, and in some cases this has led them to make important tungsten finds.

One of the Richest Beaches Ever Mined

April 2015
Everyone has heard of the golden beach at Nome, but Nome did not have the richest beach.

Critical Minerals: Tungsten

July 2017

Because tungsten minerals are heavy, exploration can be done using stream sediment samples. Prospectors looking for gold have found scheelite or wolframite in their placer concentrates, and in some cases this has led them to make important tungsten finds.

Why Haven't They Mined This Claim?

May 2011
Improvements in mining equipment and techniques, along with a higher gold price, make many mining properties profitable today that may not have been in the past.

Strategic Metals—Part I

November 2013
A bill was introduced and passed by the House of Representatives earlier this year that should make the exploration and opening of a mining operation faster and easier.

Gold Refining In The Ancient World

March 2015

One thing that stood out for me is that Agricola was very specific about the type of metal or wood in the implements and vessels that were to be used.

Heavy Sands Mining

February 2013
Lately my mind has been involved with group 4 of the transition elements, namely titanium, zirconium, and hafnium. They all have similar chemical properties. Of greatest interest to economic geologists and miners is that these valuable elements often occur together in sands.

Potholes and Other Bedrock Traps

September 2012
Potholes in bedrock can trap placer minerals and even be glory holes. They are, at least, interesting geologic phenomena, and at best, a treasure trove of gold nuggets.

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