Most small-scale gold prospectors search for placer gold that is deposited in streams and rivers, but it can also be found in arid climates far away from existing water sources. Gold can be found using a variety of different methods. The most common way to recover gold in the water is by gold panning, but larger equipment can also be used to help prospectors recover more gold by processing more material. This page includes information on different gold mining methods.
The area near Lake Mead in Southern Nevada has distinguished itself as a reservoir of gold and was once the site of a sustained gold rush in the 1800s. This region has a variety of sites that have produced gold as well as other minerals. In fact, beneath Lake Mead (formed by the waters from […]
French Guiana is an overseas department or region of France that rests on the northeastern coast of the South American continent. Measuring roughly 32,253 square miles, this is the second largest region of France and the biggest European presence outside the continent. In today’s article, we examine its history and assess the current state of […]
The famous Alaska Centennial Nugget is going up for auction. This is the largest gold nugget ever found in the state of Alaska, and the second largest nugget found in the Western Hemisphere. It was found in 1998 by a miner named Barry Clay. He was operating a bulldozer at the Swift Creek Mine near […]
Gold prospectors in arid regions are limited in the ways that they can recover gold. Many of the methods that work elsewhere are not feasible in the desert. The reason is simple. Water is the basic requirement for a wide variety of placer mining methods. Panning, sluicing, dredging, high banking, and even using a simple […]
The city of Republic in Washington State was founded by gold prospectors over 110 years ago. Although it is known for its proud mining history, it also has a strong logging history and many recreational activities. Republic is a beautiful open wilderness tucked along the valley between Wauconda and Sherman Passes, just at the intersection […]
This is where to California Gold Rush started. The gold deposits throughout El Dorado County were extensive and rich, attracting thousands of men to the goldfields. Gold was dug and stakes were claimed. The rivers were full of gold nuggets, but perhaps even richer were the ancient tertiary channels high above were even richer. Lode […]
Gold deposits aren’t widespread in Southwest Washington, but there are a few locations where a diligent prospector can find a bit of color. There was never much of a “gold rush” here. There was some small short-lived excitement in a few areas, but the deposits were never rich enough to attract much interest. Yet if […]
The scenic and stunningly beautiful state of Oregon is one of the favorite destinations for gold prospectors. The state is blessed with numerous rivers, countless creeks, and several mountains that carry a considerable amount of gold deposits. For hundreds of years, people in search of wealth have found their wishes fulfilled in Oregon. Even after […]
Digging the earth for resources has a history dating back to thousands of years. All major civilizations – Egyptians, Romans, and Aztecs – have well documented history of mining. We still continue the practice, but the scale and technology of the operations have undergone a drastic change. Nowadays, both open-cast and underground mining has become […]
There is no way to sugar coat it… gold mining is not what it use to be. In decades past, a miner could drop a gold dredge into a gold-bearing river and mine to his hearts-content. Or perhaps run a backhoe and trommel. A few months of hard work in the summer could result in […]
Most people who get into this hobby never find even one flake of gold. They get all excited and buy a bunch of equipment. Then they go out once or twice, don’t find any gold, and their prospecting gear finds a comfortable spot in the corner of their garage. Over the years I have seen […]
Those of us who take an interest in gems and mineral are often saddened to hear how many great specimens were destroyed by the early miners. At a time when most gold was only priced for its assay values, even large nuggets and crystalline gold specimens were often crushed and melted. Many of the largest […]
Gold prospecting does not have to be expensive! Occasionally some new gold pan or other do-dad hits the market that claims to “revolutionize” the way that we find gold. Truth be told, the ways that we find gold nowadays isn’t much different than it was during the Gold Rush. There are lots of guys out […]
The town of Fairplay was established in 1859 when miners discovered rich placer gold deposits along the South Platte River. When news of gold in Colorado broke out in 1859, many miners from different places flocked the area in search of a fortune. Many of these miners settling on the Rockies but quite a few […]
A good and efficient setup for capturing gold is important, but don’t overlook the fact that you first need to release the gold the mud and clay! Importance of Separating out the Gold Gold prospectors are always looking for new equipment that will help them recover the most gold that they can. For […]
