Smaller operations
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.
The Bucking Room
October 2015
Since this position was the least desirable due to the hard physical labor, the bucking room was used as punishment. Do you have a mediocre worker? Bad attitude? Off to the bucking room!
Since this position was the least desirable due to the hard physical labor, the bucking room was used as punishment. Do you have a mediocre worker? Bad attitude? Off to the bucking room!
From Curiosity to Mine Owner - Pt II
October 2015
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When we last heard from Ernie, he was still in Honduras and we were anxiously waiting to hear how the set up and training went at the mine. It got a bit complicated after that.
When we last heard from Ernie, he was still in Honduras and we were anxiously waiting to hear how the set up and training went at the mine. It got a bit complicated after that.
Modern Mining Reclamation
September 2015
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.
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.
From Curiosity to Mine Owner
August 2015
His brother’s friend showed him a vial of gold that originated from his family’s mine in Honduras. Within two weeks Ernie had flown to Honduras to get a first-hand tour of the historic mine and the primitive operation underway to recover the gold.
His brother’s friend showed him a vial of gold that originated from his family’s mine in Honduras. Within two weeks Ernie had flown to Honduras to get a first-hand tour of the historic mine and the primitive operation underway to recover the gold.
The Smell of Gold -- Part II
July 2015
While mapping, I also found rock chips in the soil that were characteristic of the same wall rock alteration that occurs adjacent to the known lodes in the greenstone belt.
While mapping, I also found rock chips in the soil that were characteristic of the same wall rock alteration that occurs adjacent to the known lodes in the greenstone belt.
Hard Rock University: Expensive Hobby or Real Business?
July 2015
Improper sampling techniques lead to more avoidable heartache than almost anything else in micro mining.
Improper sampling techniques lead to more avoidable heartache than almost anything else in micro mining.
The Smell of Gold—Part I
June 2015
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.
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.
The Basics of Froth Flotation
June 2015
I thought it might be worthwhile to take a look at the basics of this important mineral separation technique and how a miner can use it to recover the values out of an ore.
I thought it might be worthwhile to take a look at the basics of this important mineral separation technique and how a miner can use it to recover the values out of an ore.
Moore Creek, Alaska—Then and Now
June 2015
The gold was very chunky and much of it had quartz attached. Even back then I knew that the gold was very close to its source.
The gold was very chunky and much of it had quartz attached. Even back then I knew that the gold was very close to its source.
Nome Offshore Dredging Creates Challenges
June 2015
The Alaska state government has been trying to keep up with and maybe even stay on top of the situation by studying the problems associated with rapid growth and how to solve them.
The Alaska state government has been trying to keep up with and maybe even stay on top of the situation by studying the problems associated with rapid growth and how to solve them.
What To Look For—And Look Out For—In A Placer Mineral Report
May 2015
Buying a placer claim or investing in a placer mining property comes with plenty of financial risks. You need as much information as possible about the mineral deposit in order to minimize those risks.
Buying a placer claim or investing in a placer mining property comes with plenty of financial risks. You need as much information as possible about the mineral deposit in order to minimize those risks.
Ask The Experts
April 2015
• Making a noisy dredge more quiet
• Making a noisy dredge more quiet
One of the Richest Beaches Ever Mined
April 2015
Everyone has heard of the golden beach at Nome, but Nome did not have the richest beach.
Everyone has heard of the golden beach at Nome, but Nome did not have the richest beach.
Small-Scale Hard Rock Mining With Water Recycling
March 2015
Once I have established the presence of gold in the sample, I collect five-gallon bucket quantities of the rock material for processing back at my shop.
Once I have established the presence of gold in the sample, I collect five-gallon bucket quantities of the rock material for processing back at my shop.
