February 2002 (Vol. 71, No. 6) $3.25
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The Bawl Mill
• Flying the friendly skies...
• Congratulations!
• The best job is a government job...
• A change of address...
• The tires that bind... -
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Changes to wetlands
• 43 CFR 3809
• Scaled-back version of CARA passes in the dead of night
• Sierra Nevada Framework -
Federal and State Biologists Accused of Planting Evidence
Federal and state wildlife biologists planted false evidence of a rare cat species in two national forests, officials told The Washington Times. -
Placer Gold in New Mexico
New Mexico is not especially known for placer gold, although significant quantities have been recovered from certain districts. There are good opportunities for finding additional gold in favorable areas in the state. -
Mining Deaths Drop to New Low in 2001
Fatal injuries at mines in the United States declined last year to a historic new low, according to preliminary data released January 3, 2002, by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). -
Prospecting for Meteorites with a Metal Detector
The following article has been written with a two-fold purpose; first, to help familiarize anyone interested in “meteorite shooting,” and second, to stress the importance of scientific research. -
Aussie Gold—A Look at Victoria
Although one of the smaller states in Australia, Victoria can lay claim to being the richest, especially in regards to large nuggets. An almost endless discovery of massive specimens highlighted the early years of gold mining here. -
The Rand of South Africa
The republic of South Africa (pop. 45 million) lies at the southern end of the African continent, and has been responsible for much of the world’s gold and diamond production. The first Europeans to settle in the region were Dutch, but the British... -
Picks & Pans: Arizona Desert Drywashing Adventure
As a dedicated dredger, this was to be a totally different experience. Finding gold without using water seemed almost impossible. -
2001 World Gold Panning Championships
Maryborough, Victoria Australia
Mike Sutton, Reigning
California State Champion, Takes Gold -
Throw-Away Gold: Back to Basics
Placer mining, whether for profit or recreational purposes, involves separation of free gold from the gold-bearing sands (gangue) of alluvial deposits by methods using specific gravity. The free gold can vary from 17 to 19.3 in specific gravity terms, depending on the alloy mix, which is usually silver, but can be copper, lead, sulfur, tellurium, antimony, or mercury. -
Placer Gold Near Fairbanks, Alaska
The Fairbanks Mining District, the most productive gold district in Alaska, lies between the Tanana and Chatanika Rivers, 7 to 25 miles from Fairbanks (Pop. 35,000), in east-central Alaska. Most parts of the district are accessible by road, a rarity in Alaska. -
The "Drumstick"
These gifts of nature are all unique to say the least. Any large nugget is an added blessing to the long toiling hours a miner puts in on his claim. Each golden clunker found is an added bonus. And each big one found will be discussed around the dinner table, or the fireplace. -
Editorial
Congressmen Richard W. Pombo and John E. Peterson’s Response to Planting of False Evidence by Environmental Extremists -
Looking Back
Excerpts from California Mining Journal, our original title, published 50 years ago this month. -
Melman on Gold & Silver
Whatever else one will be able to say in later months about the year 2002, we can already state that there is no shortage of interesting and important news developments.