Browsing Category

prospecting equipment

Gold prospecting for Beginners: Equipment and Tools Needed

Stepping into the world of gold prospecting is an exciting journey, and like any great adventure, it’s vital to pack the right gear. As a beginner, you might be wondering what tools are essential for your golden venture. I’m here to break it down for you. Let’s look at the necessary equipment and some tips on how to use them:

1. Gold Pan: The heart of any prospector’s toolkit is the gold pan. It’s a simple tool, but it’s also the most critical. A good gold pan is durable, lightweight, and features riffles (grooves) that help trap the precious gold. A 14-inch pan is a good start for beginners. When you’re panning, a bit of a shake and a swirl will help bring any gold to the bottom of your pan.

2. Classifier: This is a handy tool that fits over your gold pan. It’s essentially a sieve that filters out larger rocks and debris, leaving behind the smaller, gold-bearing dirt and gravel. You’d be surprised how much more efficient your panning becomes with this simple addition!

3. Shovel and Pickaxe: You’ll need a reliable shovel for digging and a pickaxe for breaking apart tougher materials. If your prospecting site is a hike away, consider lightweight or collapsible options.

4. Snuffer Bottle: Also known as a ‘sucker bottle,’ this handy piece of equipment sucks up the tiny gold flakes you’ve discovered in your pan. It’s much more efficient than trying to pick up each flake with your fingers!

5. Tweezers: For those larger nuggets (fingers crossed!), a pair of tweezers makes it easy to pick them out of your pan.

6. Sluice Box: If you’re ready to upgrade your gold hunting game, a sluice box is the way to go. It allows you to process more material faster. Water flows through the box, washing away lighter materials and leaving the heavier gold behind.

7. Metal Detector: This is a bit of an investment, but if you’re serious about prospecting, a metal detector can help you find gold deposits more easily. Go for a model designed for gold prospecting – they operate at higher frequencies suitable for detecting small nuggets at shallow depths.

Remember, prospecting isn’t just about the tools. It’s about patience, observation, and enjoying the great outdoors. Start with these basics, and over time, as you gain experience and knowledge, you can add more specialized tools to your kit.

Happy prospecting, folks! And remember, every day prospecting is a good day. Whether or not you find gold, you’re sure to find joy in the journey.

Until next time!

May 29, 2023 by Craw

Challenges and opportunities of mining in Yukon

How does gold mining work?

Gold mining is a process that involves extracting gold from the ground. There are a number of different techniques that can be used to do this, but the most common method is placer mining. Placer mining involves using water to wash gold-bearing gravel and sand from a streambed or other deposit. The gold is then separated from the debris using a variety of methods, and the resulting gold nuggets are collected.

Gold mining can have a number of different impacts on the environment, depending on the method that is used to extract the gold. Some of the most significant environmental impacts include:

-The release of mercury into the environment

-The destruction of natural habitats

Challenges of mining in the Yukon

Mining is an important industry in the Yukon, and it plays a significant role in the territory’s economy. However, mining is not without its challenges, and there are a number of issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure that the industry remains sustainable. Some of the challenges facing the mining industry in the Yukon include:

-The high cost of doing business in the Yukon

-The remote location of many mining operations

-The short operating season

-The impact of mining on the environment

Despite these challenges, there are a number of reasons why mining is still an important industry in the Yukon. The territory’s rich mineral resources are a major attractor for investment, and the mining industry provides a number of well-paying jobs for Yukoners. With the right policies in place, the mining industry can continue to be a major contributor to the Yukon economy.

Environmental impact of gold mining in the Yukon

Gold mining is not without its environmental challenges, and there are a number of different ways that it can impact the environment. Some of the most significant environmental impacts of gold mining include:

-The release of mercury into the environment

-The destruction of natural habitats

-The pollution of waterways

-The generation of large amounts of waste

Fortunately, there are a number of different ways that these impacts can be minimized. For example, many gold mines now use cyanide-free gold recovery methods, and there are also a number of different initiatives in place to rehabilitate mine sites after mining has finished. With the right policies and practices in place, the environmental impact of gold mining can be minimized. Stay tuned for more blog posts on this topic! Thanks for reading!

Do you have any questions about gold mining in the Yukon?

Let us know in the comments below!

The future of gold mining in the Yukon

The future of gold mining in the Yukon is uncertain, but there are a number of different factors that will affect the industry in the years to come. Some of the most important factors that will impact the future of gold mining in the Yukon include:

-The price of gold

-The availability of capital

-Changes in environmental regulations

-The discovery of new gold deposits

Only time will tell what the future of gold mining in the Yukon will look like, but it is sure to be an interesting ride. Stay tuned for more blog posts on this topic! Thanks for reading!

Do you have any predictions about the future of gold mining in the Yukon? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!

April 22, 2022 by Craw

gold mining, prospecting equipment

Mining Gold: Finding Better Ways | General Kinematics

Gold mining has traditionally been thought of as harmful in the environment, with mercury as a major concern for leaching gold from the ore. Mines have responded with failing safes that will safeguard and ensure the safest operation possible. General Kinematics now works with clients and customers to find ways to improve and improve gold production. In 1700 CE Mercury extracted gold by the amalgamation of minerals. Mercury surrounds gold forming shiny pellets. Workers burned the pellets then let the mercury evaporate leaving distilled gold.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining without mercury | US EPA

In many countries elements of mercury can also be used in gold artisan and smaller-scale mines. It mixes mercury in gold and forms an amalgam with dissolved mercury and vaporizes it to create gold. This procedure may prove dangerous and may also pose serious health and safety hazards. In some jurisdictions, mercury usage is unlawful or restricted in some manner. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global agreement to reduce contaminated mercury from mines.

How much gold is left to mine in the world?

The Covid-19 Pandemic has prompted investors interested in gold to invest more heavily. The price rise was initiated by gold traders and prompted questions regarding demand for the commodity. Gold has been widely used as an investment symbol for many electronic equipment. The resulting resources will be incredibly limited eventually, and there will no longer be available for mining.

Hard rock mining

Hard rock gold extraction extracts gold in rocks rather than fragments in loose sediments. most gold in the globe is produced from this. In central Alaska, the mine of Fort Knox is operated in an openpit setting. Barrick Gold Corporation owns one of North America’s biggest open-pit gold mines at Goldstrike in northern Nevada. Other gold mines utilize underground mining where mine tunneling or shaft mining has taken place. South Africa’s underground gold mines are deep with depth reaches of 3,900 metres (12,890 ft). Heat has been unbearable in this depth, so air cooling has become necessary in order to protect workers.

Harder to mine?

Mining at large scales are extremely capital-intensive and utilize a large number of machines and skilled personnel for large areas at or underneath surface. About 60 percent of the global mine industry today is confined to surface operations, whereas the rest is underground. The mining industry is getting more difficult due to the rapid exhaustion of many large and cheap mining operations. In contrast, China’s gold mining is much smaller and hence have more cost. There remain relatively few unexplored gold-mining locations despite potentially promising places like West Africa.

How much is left?

Mineral companies estimate the amount of gold remaining in the ground in 2 different ways: Reserves – gold – which could potentially be economically mineable at the current price. Resources – gold that would be economically mineable after additional research and / or higher price. Gold reserves are available. Currently there are about 5000 tons in the underground gold reserves, according the US Geological Survey. The estimated amount was approximately 190,000 tonnes; however, estimates vary. Approximately 20% of this amount is still being collected.

Gold Leaching Practices

During largescale mining operations cyanide is used as a primary solvent in gold extraction. Cyanide allowed miners to recover small amounts of ore for gold in low grades to make profits. A gold miner sprays cyanide solutions over vast heaped crushed ore on huge collection pads. Using the cyanide solution, the gold can be dissolved into the heap. The pad collects the contaminated solution extracted from gold and sprinkled onto stacks until the ore has evaporated.

Peak gold

It seems as if our gold has exploded in a decade. Several think we’ve reached the same point. Gold mining production was 3,531 tonnes in 2019 compared with a 7% decrease in 2017. It represents the highest annual decrease since 2008. “The growth in mine supply will slowly or decline over time as existing reserves are exhausted, and new discoveries become rare.” It seems likely production may peak.

By-product gold mining

Gold can be obtained through mining but isn’t its main product though. The largest copper mine in the country often recovers in conjunction with copper substantial amounts of gold and other metals. In sand-and gravel-strewn sites ranging from around Denver, Colorado, the gold recovery could involve a few drops. Grasberger goldmines in Indonesia have mainly a copper mine.

How is gold mined?

In gold mines, gold extraction takes 4 different ways.

Placer Mining
Hard Stone mining
by-product mining
in gold extraction

April 22, 2022 by Craw

prospecting equipment

Must have gold mining equipment for 2023 season

Hey there fellow gold miners! Terry here, and if you want to be successful in this business, you gotta have the right tools. Here are my top 5 picks:

A reliable pickaxe: You’ll need a sturdy pickaxe to break up rock and get at those nuggets.
A sluice box: This is a must-have for separating gold from other materials like sand and gravel.
A metal detector: This can be a real game-changer when it comes to finding nuggets and other treasure.
A good pair of boots: You’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet, so make sure you have comfortable, durable boots that can handle rough terrain.
A sense of humor: Let’s face it, this can be a tough and frustrating business at times. Having a good sense of humor and the ability to crack jokes (and maybe smoke a little weed) can help keep you sane and motivated!

The Top 11 Tools You Need to Be a Successful Gold Miner

Gold prospecting is an exciting pursuit and, like any serious endeavor, requires the right tools. The gear you’ll need ranges from basic essentials to large machinery, depending on how invested you are in your gold mining operation. Here’s a more comprehensive list, including examples from my own experience, of what you might need as you dive deeper into the world of prospecting:

The Basics:

1. Gold Pan: This is your foundational tool. It’s affordable, portable, and quite effective when used correctly.

2. Shovel: A rugged, durable shovel is vital for digging up dirt to sift through.

3. Bucket: Useful for carrying your finds and moving water if you’re not near a river or stream.

4. Metal Detector: A useful tool for scanning the ground for any signs of metal—primarily gold. My trusty F350 Ford 4X4 pickup truck has an integrated detector, and it’s a game-changer.

5. Sluice Box: This tool is an upgrade from the gold pan, allowing you to process more material quickly by channeling water to separate the gold.

Getting Fancy:

1. High Banker Sluice Box: This piece of equipment takes the basic sluice box to the next level. It includes a water pump, allowing you to prospect away from the water source.

2. Trommel: This is a motor-driven screening device that separates the dirt from the gold. It increases productivity and is especially useful when you’re dealing with a lot of material. Our trommel, mounted on a low bed and built in 2007, runs like a dream and can process up to 150 yards per hour.

Big Boys:

1. Bulldozer: For more substantial operations, a bulldozer is a useful tool to move massive amounts of dirt and rocks. We have a D8H Bulldozer, but she needs a bit of work to get back into shape.

2. Loader: Loaders like our 6-yard Trojan with a new motor and 4-yard Michigan with new tires, are perfect for handling large amounts of material.

3. Excavator: A machine like our Hitachi EX200 is excellent for digging and moving large amounts of earth, essential in larger-scale operations.

4. Trucks: A truck, like our 1996 Maxy Rock Truck or 2004 F150 pickup, is essential for moving tools, equipment, and finds.

Other essential tools include submersible pumps to clear water from your working area (we’ve got a couple of 6″ brand new ones and 3 new 8″), generators for power needs (we use a 250 Kw Daiwae generator and an Onon 10 kw generator), welders (like our brand new Lincoln 305G), and hoses (we have 1000′ new 8″ Lay Flat Hose).

Lastly, don’t forget the importance of a good camp setup for those longer prospecting trips. We use an Atlas Bus as a tool shed and have a wooden shed for additional storage. A tidy tank, like our 100 gallon one, is perfect for fuel storage. A reliable compressor, such as our 14 hp Kohler, complete with air tools, is a must-have. For fine-tuning, we use an RP4 clean up system, and for heavy-duty work, we have a 60-ton press. Lastly, don’t forget a good supply of spare parts for your machinery – there’s nothing worse than a breakdown in the middle of a productive day!

Remember, while this list might seem overwhelming, you don’t need everything right away. Start with the basics, and as your love for prospecting grows (and hopefully, the size of your gold finds!), you can slowly invest in more extensive equipment.

Until next time, happy prospecting, and may the golden gleam of good fortune always catch your eye!

July 2, 2015 by Terry