First, I look for smaller exploration companies that appear to be on the right track or that have started producing precious metals and are able to do so at a low cost per ounce.

Solar energy can be used for any size placer or hard rock mining operation. It is most practical for small and longer-term operations provided your mine is not located in a dense forest.

When I teach people about finding gold, I often explain that it is helpful to think of any river or stream that carries gold as being something like a sluice box.

It’s not easy to figure out what is best without testing, and so a certain level of confusion has developed about how small the ore ought to be crushed.

Q: I am looking for a “trommel machine” that doesn’t separate anything but clay slurry from rock hard clay.

The more experienced prospectors know these lesser known spots are the types of places where big finds are still made.