Smaller operations
The Highs and Lows of Drywashing
August 2016
We were met with a plethora of mechanical problems with the dry washer and even a few with the excavator that were at times frustrating, but we were in this for the long haul, so we needed to solve these problems and move forward.
We were met with a plethora of mechanical problems with the dry washer and even a few with the excavator that were at times frustrating, but we were in this for the long haul, so we needed to solve these problems and move forward.
A New Method for Handling Stubborn Gravity Middlings
July 2016
The solution focused on the relative difference in malleability between gold and waste, rather than the difference in density exploited by gravity circuits.
The solution focused on the relative difference in malleability between gold and waste, rather than the difference in density exploited by gravity circuits.
Ask The Experts
June 2016
Q: How do I improve my small-scale mining operation’s gold production?
Q: How do I improve my small-scale mining operation’s gold production?
The Heavy Minerals in Your Concentrates
June 2016
The fact that mineral deposits can contribute specific types of heavy minerals is why the analysis of the heavy mineral concentrates in the streams of an area can be an important prospecting technique for finding undiscovered mineral deposits.
The fact that mineral deposits can contribute specific types of heavy minerals is why the analysis of the heavy mineral concentrates in the streams of an area can be an important prospecting technique for finding undiscovered mineral deposits.
Care and Lubrication of a Model 13 Laboratory Wilfley Table
June 2016
A Wilfley table works best when all of the mineral being run across it (the pulp) is about the same size. For this reason, I took a good look at each of the samples.
A Wilfley table works best when all of the mineral being run across it (the pulp) is about the same size. For this reason, I took a good look at each of the samples.
Progress Continues in Honduras
May 2016He had meetings with Honduran officials at all levels, set up a new corporation called Raptor Mining in El Corpus, Honduras, and is in the process of establishing a non-profit called “Step Up for Honduras.”
Dry Washer, Wet System or Metal Detector?
April 2016
I love to dry wash old nugget patches found by detector operators, and I have found my fair share of gold dry washing those areas. I have also found a few nuggets using a detector on the bedrock exposed by dry washing the patches.
I love to dry wash old nugget patches found by detector operators, and I have found my fair share of gold dry washing those areas. I have also found a few nuggets using a detector on the bedrock exposed by dry washing the patches.
How to Stake Your Own Mining Claims—Part II
April 2016
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.
Ask The Experts
March 2016
Options for affordable crushers for small mining operations
Options for affordable crushers for small mining operations
Ask The Experts
March 2016
How do I set up a Miller table?
How do I set up a Miller table?
Addressing EPA Overreach: What Dredgers Need to Know
March 2016
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been attempting to extend their authority and intimidate miners and other public land users for decades. Suction gold dredgers are no exception, and we want to highlight a recent example of how to deal with this federal overreach.
Ask The Experts
February 2016
Any good books on mineralized faults and contacts?
Any good books on mineralized faults and contacts?
Gold in Quartz
February 2016
Because quartz and gold may be deposited together across a considerable range of temperatures, not all quartz veins are the same, and there are several different types of gold-quartz deposits.
Because quartz and gold may be deposited together across a considerable range of temperatures, not all quartz veins are the same, and there are several different types of gold-quartz deposits.
Northwestern Alaska Mineral Resources
February 2016
Gold and jade are actually only minor mineral resources for the Northwestern Alaska region as a whole. Modern prospecting has focused more on base metal than precious metal resources.
Gold and jade are actually only minor mineral resources for the Northwestern Alaska region as a whole. Modern prospecting has focused more on base metal than precious metal resources.
The Fire Assay of Carbon
February 2016
Carbon, activated charcoal, or “char,” as some old timers refer to it, can be an assayer’s nightmare.
Carbon, activated charcoal, or “char,” as some old timers refer to it, can be an assayer’s nightmare.
Drywashing Arizona Gold
January 2016
His findings were not exaggerated—after running 82 buckets of gravels in two days we had a remarkable 27.8 grams of gold!
His findings were not exaggerated—after running 82 buckets of gravels in two days we had a remarkable 27.8 grams of gold!
The Significance of Nuggets in Placers
January 2016
Chances are better that both types of gold did not come from the same source. Let's look at the probable conditions to cause two types of gold in a placer.
Chances are better that both types of gold did not come from the same source. Let's look at the probable conditions to cause two types of gold in a placer.
Our Readers Say
December 2015
Small-Scale Hard Rock Production
December 2015
So far this year we have recovered over three pounds of gold and the hard rock veins seem to go on forever. We now have three claims that can produce good enough gold to set up a productive operation.
So far this year we have recovered over three pounds of gold and the hard rock veins seem to go on forever. We now have three claims that can produce good enough gold to set up a productive operation.
Gold in Tertiary Gravels
November 2015
In some places, semi-continuous sections of riverbed can easily be linked in many places to identify the path of the ancient rivers.
In some places, semi-continuous sections of riverbed can easily be linked in many places to identify the path of the ancient rivers.
