Prospecting & Detecting
Old Patch, New Detector
March 2017 by Ray Mills
![](http://www.icmj.com/userfiles/images/201703/toc-44-old-patch.jpg)
Gold 1822 Half Eagle Fetches Record at Auction
The coin trading world has a new gold standard, after the only known 1822 half eagle $5 piece in private hands sold at auction in Las Vegas…
A Break in the Weather
Back at the entry point of the mine, we took turns slowly crawling down the slope leading into the mine portal with our metal detectors, hard hats and flashlights. The mine was hand dug and is about 75 yards long.
Gully Prospecting and Mining
![](http://www.icmj.com/userfiles/images/201409/TOC-gully.jpg)
Weathering, Erosion and Placers
![](http://www.icmj.com/userfiles/images/201704/10-weathering-TOC.jpg)
Soft Rock Excavation Techniques
Ganes Creek After The Flood
![](http://www.icmj.com/userfiles/images/201410/1-ganes-creek-gold-2014.jpg)
Pumping Water With Solar Power
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.
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