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PDAC 2009 Convention Highlights
April 2009 by Leonard Melman
...it was impossible not to notice the absence of many junior mining companies that were present last year. Due to the dual circumstances of the world’s credit problems along with the steep declines in base metals prices, many of them, unfortunately, have simply gone broke and closed their doors. Others are so strapped for cash...The Business of Mines—Consider Your Tax Deductions Now
Uncle Sam, the not-so-silent partner of every miner, dredger and prospector is willing, using our tax laws, to help reduce out-of-pocket expenditures necessary to acquire business assets and property. In addition to the well-known depreciation deduction, however, the tax laws permit tax write-offs for other, less tangible business assets. The best time to explore and lock-in many of these overlooked and misunderstood deductions is now, well before the end of the tax year.
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• Regarding US vs. Steve Hicks
• More on the Ortiz Mountains of New Mexico
The Tangential Impulse Water Wheel in California Gold Mining History—Part II
Even before Pelton relocated in San Francisco in 1888, many other competitive foundries and machine shops chose to enter the water wheel market. These firms were already busy with the mining trade, producing hoists, stamp mills, ore carts, Cornish pumps, crushers, grinders, compressors and drills.
Miners Welcome Comments by Alaska Official
The head of Alaska’s Department of Environmental Conservation angered environmentalists by saying more than enough acres are being managed for conservation and land set-asides aren’t necessary for environmental protection.
Successful Detecting Requires Attention to Detail—Part I

Prospecting in the Age of Covid-19
I have a bunch of ideas about what to do in the near term and then other thoughts about what things might look like a few months from now when I hope the situation will look a lot better.
Melman on Gold & Silver
It appears that market softness due to a slowing Chinese economy may already have affected precious and base metals quotes.
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• From The Editor
• Detecting Invisible Gold
• Finding Diamond Deposits With Your PC—Part I
• Has Senator Harry Reid Worn Out His Welcome?
• The Most Obvious Place
• The Gold of Yuba County
• Stimulus Package Provides Potential Tax Savings For Miners
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes, Mineral & Metal Prices
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• Steven's Trail and the North Fork of the American