How to Research Prospecting Locations and Mining Claims

April 2020 by David Hughes

If you are interested in researching mining claims for any purpose, you will first have to decipher the BLM’s LR2000, a Rube Goldberg database seemingly designed by a 1980s Soviet-era computer hacker.

Mother Lode Leaf Gold

July 2011
After removing about six inches of dirt and cobbles, the sound was a bit more recognizable. I was now confident that there was a definite target and not just a ground noise.

Drywashing in Black Canyon, Arizona

May 2016

After the hike and a quick snack break we gathered a few buckets of material to really dial in the drywasher for the most efficient recovery. This involves leveling the unit, setting the riffle box drop angle and regulating the speed in which the material is processed.

Fine Gold Panning Without Using Mercury

March 2012
The technique I will describe is a much safer alternative and it works. It’s a fine-gold panning technique that eliminates the need for mercury amalgamation of most placer samples.

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.

Where to Find Gold in Indiana—Part II

January 2012
Part I of the article addressed modern placer gold deposits. This second installment will address “ancient” flood deposits.

Gold in the Slate Creek Basin

September 2011
In some areas these channels were thousands of feet wide, and just figuring out where you are in some of these diggings is a challenge.

Searchers' Dreams

May 2013
The story began in a southern Arizona mountain range...

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The Bawl Mill   • Sampling for Success—Part II   • Ask The Experts - Investing: How do you know which companies have potential?   • Miners Fight Back When BLM Says 'Your Claim Is Too Long'   • It's Another 'Ben Day'   • Some Tips and Tricks for Dredgers: Determining Pulley Size and Belt Length   • Where Will The Gold Price Go From Here?   • Holcomb Valley Gold, Southern California   • Gold Prospecting for Better or Worse: The Good Luck and Bad Luck of Prospecting With Animals   • Lode Miner Continues to Find Pocket Gold   • Judge Backs Minnesota's Twin Metals Mine in Lease Dispute   • Over the Divide: Rick Lague   • Melman on Gold & Silver   • Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices

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