From reading the land to setting up your equipment
Ask the Experts
December 2013
Ore testing and other advice for starting up a mining operation.
Ore testing and other advice for starting up a mining operation.
Hunting for Hardrock: The Basics
December 2013
Exposed veins and outcroppings can be a great source for gathering good gold ore for processing. Veins and outcroppings do require a lot of work to free the ore from its earthen grip, but this labor can be very rewarding.
Exposed veins and outcroppings can be a great source for gathering good gold ore for processing. Veins and outcroppings do require a lot of work to free the ore from its earthen grip, but this labor can be very rewarding.
Proper Placer Sample Processing
November 2013
...your sampling procedures should not be designed to catch gold your mining technique will never recover.
...your sampling procedures should not be designed to catch gold your mining technique will never recover.
Using Sucker Guns to Find Gold
November 2013
...if you have a good, rich spot, hand-operated systems can produce some decent gold.
...if you have a good, rich spot, hand-operated systems can produce some decent gold.
Making Adjustments to Catch Fine Gold
November 2013
This fine gold that is so common is probably the most notorious for eluding our riffles and mattings.
This fine gold that is so common is probably the most notorious for eluding our riffles and mattings.
The Subsurface Suction Dredge
November 2013
The problems of the submersible dredge tube are addressed by the subsurface dredge, where the enclosed sluice recovery tube is suspended from a flotation assembly...
The problems of the submersible dredge tube are addressed by the subsurface dredge, where the enclosed sluice recovery tube is suspended from a flotation assembly...
A Few Pointers About Cracks and Crevices
October 2013
Because these crevices catch and hold gold so well, it's worthwhile to learn how they form, which ones are good for catching gold and which ones are not.
Because these crevices catch and hold gold so well, it's worthwhile to learn how they form, which ones are good for catching gold and which ones are not.
What, Where and How for the New Prospector
September 2013
How to go about the entire process of prospecting is a big question. The answer comes down to research and preparation.
How to go about the entire process of prospecting is a big question. The answer comes down to research and preparation.
Proper Spacing of Placer Sample Sites
September 2013
The zone of influence of each sample must be carefully considered when deciding how far sample sites should be spaced from each other.
The zone of influence of each sample must be carefully considered when deciding how far sample sites should be spaced from each other.
Hunches, Choices and Guesses
September 2013
When you approach a location, even if you've been there before, you should consider all the factors and conditions present at the site. This includes both natural and man-made factors.
When you approach a location, even if you've been there before, you should consider all the factors and conditions present at the site. This includes both natural and man-made factors.
Placer Channel Sampling
July 2013
Sampling gold placers can be rewarding, but remember to treat the samples so you are not high grading or low grading your results. Learn the rules and apply them so your samples are accurate.
Sampling gold placers can be rewarding, but remember to treat the samples so you are not high grading or low grading your results. Learn the rules and apply them so your samples are accurate.
Breaking Rock the Old School Way
June 2013
Prospectors have many reasons why they might want to break rocks. These include dividing up a specimen too large to carry.
Prospectors have many reasons why they might want to break rocks. These include dividing up a specimen too large to carry.
Which Nugget Detector Should I Get?
June 2013
The most commonly asked question in metal detecting is, “Which metal detector should I get?” People worry a lot about not getting the right machine. They do not want to waste their money and their time with the wrong metal detector.
The most commonly asked question in metal detecting is, “Which metal detector should I get?” People worry a lot about not getting the right machine. They do not want to waste their money and their time with the wrong metal detector.
Ask the Experts - proper mining claim procedures
April 2013
Q: Can you offer any information on proper mining claim procedures?
Q: Can you offer any information on proper mining claim procedures?
Excavator Testing Wet Placer Ground
April 2013
The excavator or backhoe has become the tool of choice for testing placer ground. These machines are the best way to explore and sample a placer deposit if the ground is not too wet or frozen and bedrock is not beyond the reach of the machine.
The excavator or backhoe has become the tool of choice for testing placer ground. These machines are the best way to explore and sample a placer deposit if the ground is not too wet or frozen and bedrock is not beyond the reach of the machine.
Hard Rock Milling: A Matter of Scale
April 2013
Most prospectors understand placer mining a lot better than hard rock mining and don’t realize the amount of work that goes into processing different types of hard rock ore.
Most prospectors understand placer mining a lot better than hard rock mining and don’t realize the amount of work that goes into processing different types of hard rock ore.
Turning Hobby Mining into Business Mining
March 2013
The first thing a person should do is seriously consider whether they want to go mining as a hobby or a business, and the tax implications of the choice.
The first thing a person should do is seriously consider whether they want to go mining as a hobby or a business, and the tax implications of the choice.
Buying a Mining Claim: Questions to Ask
March 2013
At one time or another, many miners will look seriously at purchasing a mining claim...Usually it’s a significant financial commitment, so how do you know if you are getting a good deal?
At one time or another, many miners will look seriously at purchasing a mining claim...Usually it’s a significant financial commitment, so how do you know if you are getting a good deal?
Refractory Gold Processing
February 2013
After your excitement peaks when you first receive the high gold assay from the vein you just exposed, you ponder how you will extract and sell your gold. You will need to develop a flow sheet for your process to optimize your recovery and minimize your costs and permit requirements.
After your excitement peaks when you first receive the high gold assay from the vein you just exposed, you ponder how you will extract and sell your gold. You will need to develop a flow sheet for your process to optimize your recovery and minimize your costs and permit requirements.
What is a Valid Mineral Discovery?
February 2013
One of the greatest opportunities afforded to the citizens of our country is the right to stake and hold mining claims on federal lands. One doesn’t need to be a lawyer to stake mining claims, but a little bit of knowledge about mining claim laws can be helpful.
One of the greatest opportunities afforded to the citizens of our country is the right to stake and hold mining claims on federal lands. One doesn’t need to be a lawyer to stake mining claims, but a little bit of knowledge about mining claim laws can be helpful.
