Researching and Staking Mining Claims

December 2006 by Chris Ralph

One of the greatest opportunities still available to Americans is the opportunity to stake and own your own mining claim. Much of the Western US consists of lands that are open to claim by any US citizen...

How To Locate Diamonds

July 2008
How to locate diamonds: This article focuses on the principal host rock for diamond and describes some gemstones (and kimberlitic indicator minerals) typically found with diamond.

Pacific Legal Foundation Gets Significant Win

June 2005
In an important victory for western property owners, the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled for Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), and Idaho rancher Verl Jones’ family, in a closely watched case that addresses the standard by which injunctions can be issued under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

All About Chalcopyrite

March 2017
…there are loads of different copper minerals, but a large number of them form first in the ground as chalcopyrite and then through the effects of weathering are changed into other minerals like malachite, cuprite and chrysocolla.

The Winning Hand

January 2017
The operation and techniques employed are highly successful in producing free gold with minimal work involved while maintaining an environment protection process through the use of recycled water and a settling pond.

Picks & Pans: Detecting Micro-Nuggets

May 2005
I like to play in a big sandbox called the Mojave Desert. I have different ways of getting my kicks. My particular delight is seeing, “How low can I go?” Blame it on too much sun, but there are days I don’t feel like drywashing.

Minnesota Delays Decision on Mineral Leases

November 2011
Landowners complained that mineral mining on or near their property could damage property values while leaving them without a cut of potential profits.

Melman on Gold & Silver

July 2000
As many long time readers know, one of my favorite sayings is the Asian expression, "May you live in interesting times." We sure do and if you didn't believe it before, just consider the latest word from the international markets.

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