MMAC Update
December 2016
After many decades of closures, land-use restrictions, and over-regulation, miners and all other public land users may finally see some real relief due to the efforts of MMAC.
After many decades of closures, land-use restrictions, and over-regulation, miners and all other public land users may finally see some real relief due to the efforts of MMAC.
Pros and Cons of Big Detector Coils
December 2016
Years later I returned with a new detector with a smaller coil and detector technology more sensitive to smaller nuggets. I found my first nugget within five minutes. I had a second five minutes after that.
Years later I returned with a new detector with a smaller coil and detector technology more sensitive to smaller nuggets. I found my first nugget within five minutes. I had a second five minutes after that.
Prospecting and Mining Old Mine Sites
December 2016
In some places valuable ores can be found within the waste material of mine dumps, sorted ore piles, and detrital vein matter at the surface. Though many of these old mine sites can be an excellent source of gold, not all are created equal.
In some places valuable ores can be found within the waste material of mine dumps, sorted ore piles, and detrital vein matter at the surface. Though many of these old mine sites can be an excellent source of gold, not all are created equal.
Detecting Strategies for Heavily Forested Areas
December 2016
Looking for nugget laden bedrock in forested mountain regions, you first need to explore the banks of the gold-bearing streams and look for the bedrock that is exposed as this is your starting point.
Looking for nugget laden bedrock in forested mountain regions, you first need to explore the banks of the gold-bearing streams and look for the bedrock that is exposed as this is your starting point.
Mining Districts and Community Outreach
December 2016
You have made your presence known with the BLM or Forest Service, placed Mining District signs along the entrance points to your district, and found support with other local miners. But how do you gain popular support?
You have made your presence known with the BLM or Forest Service, placed Mining District signs along the entrance points to your district, and found support with other local miners. But how do you gain popular support?
Alaskan Gold Adventure
December 2016
In Chicken I had my first experience with the famous Alaska blue clay, sometimes called the blue layer. The blue layer is where the best fine gold was to be found.
In Chicken I had my first experience with the famous Alaska blue clay, sometimes called the blue layer. The blue layer is where the best fine gold was to be found.
Learning the Game and the Power to Change It
December 2016
The one legal entity that can change the game and provide a path and template to protect landowners and public land users across the United States is the miner.
The one legal entity that can change the game and provide a path and template to protect landowners and public land users across the United States is the miner.
Central Idaho Federal Employees Back to Work With Local Help
December 2016
The fire started early October 4, destroying the Bureau of Land Management office on the edge of town within minutes.
The fire started early October 4, destroying the Bureau of Land Management office on the edge of town within minutes.
Mining Stock Quotes and Mineral & Metal Prices
December 2016
Melman on Gold & Silver
December 2016
On a personal note, very little has bothered me quite as much as the fact that some on the political left are crying “foul” about the fact that Secretary Clinton may have (the outcome is still slightly uncertain at press time) gained more popular votes than the President-elect and therefore the election result is “wrong.”
On a personal note, very little has bothered me quite as much as the fact that some on the political left are crying “foul” about the fact that Secretary Clinton may have (the outcome is still slightly uncertain at press time) gained more popular votes than the President-elect and therefore the election result is “wrong.”
The Bawl Mill
November 2016
By the numbers, election edition
By the numbers, election edition
Our Readers Say
November 2016
The coming election...
The coming election...
Legislative and Regulatory Update
November 2016
• Oregon proposed withdrawal
• Vote
• Oregon proposed withdrawal
• Vote
Detecting: Small Creek Yields Good Gold
November 2016
Most of our gold recoveries have been in the cracks of the bedrock. Hot rocks in the form of dikes cross the creek at various locations, causing us to skip those areas.
Most of our gold recoveries have been in the cracks of the bedrock. Hot rocks in the form of dikes cross the creek at various locations, causing us to skip those areas.
Ask The Experts: Is this BLM demand legitimate?
November 2016
Q: The Arizona BLM state office has started sending out registered letters to association placer claim holders...
The Challenge of Winter Dredging
November 2016
Dredges actually do pretty well in freezing conditions. There are a few tips you should know, however.
Dredges actually do pretty well in freezing conditions. There are a few tips you should know, however.
What Have You Got to Lose?
November 2016
It’s accepted knowledge that wet methods will recover more fine gold than dry methods and processing the gravel as a whole will get more gold than only using a metal detector. The question is how much more?
It’s accepted knowledge that wet methods will recover more fine gold than dry methods and processing the gravel as a whole will get more gold than only using a metal detector. The question is how much more?
MMAC Update
November 2016
Within these districts, some of the roads and trails have been reopened for access, critical habitat designations have been scaled back, and a few Mining Districts were completely removed from proposed withdrawals.
Within these districts, some of the roads and trails have been reopened for access, critical habitat designations have been scaled back, and a few Mining Districts were completely removed from proposed withdrawals.
How to Upgrade Your Pocket Plunger
November 2016
These three simple upgrades, when taken together, will considerably increase a pocket plunger’s magnetic pull and make it less susceptible to breakage.
These three simple upgrades, when taken together, will considerably increase a pocket plunger’s magnetic pull and make it less susceptible to breakage.
Glaciers and Placer Gold Deposits
November 2016
It also happens sometimes that glaciers will bury valuable placer deposits. This occurs when the glacier goes over the top of an existing placer deposit.
It also happens sometimes that glaciers will bury valuable placer deposits. This occurs when the glacier goes over the top of an existing placer deposit.












