Prospecting & Detecting
Excavator Testing Wet Placer Ground
April 2013 by Jim Halloran
The excavator or backhoe has become the tool of choice for testing placer ground. These machines are the best way to explore and sample a placer deposit if the ground is not too wet or frozen and bedrock is not beyond the reach of the machine.Summertime Gold Panning

Exploring Snakehead

How To File A Mining Claim
Filing claims is actually quite easy, though there are a number of pitfalls that you should watch out for. Over the years, I have made just about every mistake you can with a mining claim, and have learned a few things to watch out for along the way.
Out of the Ashes—New Access to Gold
As I arrived at my detecting location, I got all my gear and headed up the trail. I had to stop and take in the devastation all around me.
Detecting Alluvial Bench Deposits -- Pt II

Deep Nuggets From The Strange Little Patch
I began detecting at the bottom of the gully and started making my way upstream. About mid-way there was a nice, flat stretch for about ten feet.
Uncovering the Find of a Lifetime
• The 75-ounce Butte County nugget is the largest found in California since the 156-ounce Mojave nugget in the 1970s...
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The Bawl Mill
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• Ask the Experts - what does MDB&M stand for?
• Ask the Experts - proper mining claim procedures
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• ICMJ Online Forum Now Available
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• A Trip Down the Yukon River
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