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Golden Age of Gold Dredges
June 2002 by Frank Lorey III
Over one hundred years ago, gold mining in California saw a radically new method tried out in the major rivers of the Central Valley. Large gold dredges floated lazily but noisily on the waters, bringing up the rich gravel from deep below. With none of today’s environmental restrictions on such methods, the landscape was reworked into a maze of patterns along the rivers.PLP Update
Rep. Grijalva (D-Arizona) assumed chairmanship of the House Natural Resources Committee after Democrats took control of the House. He introduced Mining Law Reform legislation that would set us back decades…
Company Notes
• Pan American Silver Corp.
• NovaGold Resources, Inc.
• Canyon Resources Corp.
• Great Quest Metals, Ltd.
• X-Cal Resources
• African Metals Corp.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• DOI backs mill sites
• Arizona goes to bat for miners
• Battles continue in California
• Climate change legislation
Where Do I Begin?
You’ve developed an interest in prospecting for gold. A couple friends have told you how much fun they’ve had looking for gold. In this article I’ll point out the pros and cons of this activity and by the end you can decide to what degree you want to pursue your search for gold.
Melman on Gold & Silver
As many long time readers know, one of my favorite sayings is the Asian expression, "May you live in interesting times." We sure do and if you didn't believe it before, just consider the latest word from the international markets.
Estimating Gold Values in Placer Gravels

Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Settlement hearings
• Fighting back
Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill
• ICMJ Elected Prospecting Magazine of 2002
• Mining Investment—Or Fraud?
• Gold in Suriname
• Prospecting With Limited Equipment
• Looking Back
• Beryllium in Utah
• Company Notes
• Picks & Pans: The Gold of "Eldorado Canyon"—Mariposa County, California
• Fire Agate in Arizona
• The Canton Lead
• NAS Agrees to Review Superfund Science
• Tight Budgets Force Forest Service to Cut Back
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices