November 2012 (Vol. 82, No. 3) $3.75
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The Bawl Mill
• We spend taxpayer money on this...
• ...but hold back on this. -
Ask the Experts
Where to process high grade gold ore containing sulfides? -
Ask the Experts
How do I set up a small placer operation? -
Ask the Experts
Heading for Australia to metal detect for gold. Tips? Suggestions? -
Ask the Experts
Questions regarding processing black sands -
The Portable XRF Gun
While there is no metal detector that will see only gold, there is a device that can reliably distinguish gold from lead, copper, iron or other metals. It is an X-Ray fluorescence tester, sometimes called an XRF gun. -
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• BLM to raise fees again
• Roadless Rule stands
• Suit filed over dredging restrictions in Washington State
• NWMA lends support
• California suction gold dredging lawsuits progressing -
Gold Dredging on Oregon's South Umpqua
Familiarizing oneself with an unfamiliar part of the country is often a requirement of successful gold prospecting. In the pursuit of gold, it may become necessary for a prospector to branch out into new hunting grounds. -
The Struggle to Reopen Alaska's Largest Gold Mine
The historical AJ mine, located east of Juneau, Alaska, was considered the largest gold mine in the state at one time. Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold there in 1880, and it has been more recently known as a tourist destination. -
Prospecting With a Detector: Lessons Learned
That is the course and intention for this article—to wander through some of the lessons I have learned in my thirty-two years of metal detecting and prospecting. -
The Rush to Treasure Hill
There were some exceptional times in the far-flung history of the West. Rich finds of minerals that set men’s souls ablaze. From the rich gold fields of California, men who arrived too late to find riches went searching in every direction. The trail that we will follow leads east, past the shining silver district of the Comstock Lode. -
Tips on Crevicing for Gold
When everything is still dry, one of my favorite methods of prospecting is using a straw to blow out small cracks and crevices that dot the exposed bedrock along a stream. -
Using Google Earth and Other Maps
Last month, one of our readers requested an article regarding the possible use of Google Earth for prospecting research. It was a good idea, so here it is. -
Proper Assaying of Placer Samples
The whole purpose of sampling mineralized ground is to measure the values in a small volume of material that would be representative of a much larger volume of similar material. The key word is representative. Chemical and fire assaying will not accurately represent placer deposits by themselves. -
Mining, Health Care & Taxes
Like it or not, the US Supreme Court has ruled and the so-called “Affordable Care Act” (ACA) is now the law of the land—and the Tax Code. What’s more, despite the promises of many politicians to repeal it, it may be around in some form for years to come. -
Melman on Gold & Silver
Every so often, deadlines are a real pain in the neck! That is truly the case this month as we must complete these musings prior to the Vice Presidential debates as well as the last two Obama-Romney encounters.