How To File A Mining Claim

April 2019 by Alan J. Chenworth

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.

Fountain of Youth Gold

May 2011
Across and downstream of our operation was a large pile of huge boulders. It was logical to think that water forces may have deposited gold in and around these boulders. We moved our dredge over and started pulling the rock pile apart.

Cold Alaskan Gold—Part I

September 2012
Crowds may be great for football games or the Fourth of July, but not for prospecting. So, this summer, while thousands of gold seekers were heading to the coast of Alaska, I headed to a remote part of the Interior.

Prospecting for Gold in Baja California

April 2015
It was one of those awkward situations as we walked, fatigued and too thirsty to speak a word.

Successful Rally for Suction Dredge Miners in Idaho

August 2014
Representative Paul Shepherd stopped by, and Idaho County Commissioner Jim Chmelik dove with one of the dredgers so he could see for himself that no harm was being done to fish or their habitat.

Ophir—Possibly the Best Kept Secret in Alaska—Part II

December 2013
I knew the nuggets got into the nugget patch somehow, I just had to figure out how and from what direction they came.

Green Valley Reconnaissance

January 2013
During this trip we found enough gold to make us want to come back, even with the punishment of a very long, tough hike.

A Few Methods for Sampling Hardrock Deposits

June 2014
With a little homework and a methodical approach to sampling, a prospector can determine if a deposit is worthy of more of an investment...

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