Small Mining Operations
The Miner’s Switchback
May 2018 by Bilbo Kringle
Common thought is the switchback slows the velocity of the rushing water and gold drops out from the cut bank to a fill gravel bar within or below the switchback. I am not going to disregard that model; however, I hope to improve upon it.
Modern Mining Reclamation
A study showed that between 1930 and 1980, only a quarter of one percent of the land in the United States was used in all mining applications combined, including surface mining, tailings disposal, underground mines, and all mineral processing facilities.
Selenium, Mercury and Suction Dredging—Studies Contradict CA State Water Resources Board
Federal and state regulatory agencies often cite mercury and methyl mercury in our waterways as a major factor for further restrictions on placer mining, and on suction gold dredge mining, in particular. However, these regulatory agencies are minimizing selenium and its neutralizing effects.
The Smell of Gold—Part I
Some claim they can smell gold. This may be, but when I take a whiff of gold, I smell dirt, rotten eggs, garlic or just nothing: my nose is everything but sensitive.
Gold Rush in the Congo—Part II
We needed something to cook on, so we brought most of our kitchen with us including our full-size oven, which was pretty funny to see in the middle of a rainforest. Food was always a concern, but fortunately for us...
Early Summer Mining in Wyoming
Old tailing piles extend for miles. There was still plenty of water flowing here, so WPA members set up highbankers at several settling ponds.
PLP and MMAC Update
How to Stake Your Own Mining Claims—Part II
I’d like to offer some practical comments about staking and maintaining mining claims. Owning your own claim is the dream of many prospectors. I’ve made good money off my mining claims, both from the minerals I have found on them as well as from leasing out some of my claims to larger mining and exploration companies.
Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill
• Ask The Experts - Is this a significant cobalt find?
• Ask The Experts - Is this ICOG deposit commercially feasible to mine?
• Ask The Experts - How to sell gold specimens
• Our Readers Say
• Putting Together A Small Free Gold Mill
• Feds Sue California over Sales of Public Lands
• Legislative and Regulatory Update
• What To Do When Gold Recovery and Assay Values Differ
• Metal Detecting Old Hard Rock Mine Dumps
• Because I Said So
• Hecla Fights Bad Actor Label in Montana
• Prepping For A New Season of Gold Hunting
• Melman on Gold & Silver
• Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices
Free:
PLP and MMAC Update
