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gold mining, yukon

The Ultimate Yukon Gold Mining Bucket List: Must-Visit Sites and Attractions

Howdy there, it’s Terry again! If you’re anything like me and have a passion for gold, history, and adventure, then I’ve got a treat for you. Here’s my Ultimate Yukon Gold Mining Bucket List of must-visit sites and attractions:

1. Klondike Gold Fields

Start your adventure in the heart of the Yukon, where the great Klondike Gold Rush began. Here, you can visit the Discovery Claim, walk in the footsteps of the Stampeders on the Chilkoot Trail, and try your hand at panning for gold at Claim No. 6.

Visit Klondike Gold Fields

2. Dawson City

This vibrant town was the epicenter of the Klondike Gold Rush and is a treasure trove of history. Check out the Dawson City Museum, Jack London Museum, and Robert Service Cabin. And don’t miss Diamond Tooth Gerties, Canada’s oldest casino, where the Gold Rush spirit lives on.

Explore Dawson City

3. Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site

Just outside of Dawson City, you’ll find the colossal Dredge No. 4. Once a key gold mining machine, it’s now a National Historic Site offering guided tours that reveal the inner workings of gold dredging.

Visit Dredge No. 4

4. Goldbottom Mine Tour

Experience the modern day gold mining operations and try panning for gold at Goldbottom Mine. It’s an active placer gold mine with rich history and beautiful landscape.

Book Goldbottom Mine Tour

5. The SS Klondike National Historic Site

In Whitehorse, you can explore the SS Klondike, a sternwheeler that once transported gold miners and their precious cargo. Walk its decks and imagine the bustling activity it saw during its heyday.

Visit SS Klondike

6. Kluane National Park

Although not directly related to gold mining, no trip to the Yukon would be complete without visiting this breathtaking park. With its stunning glaciers, high mountains, and abundant wildlife, it’s pure Yukon gold.

Explore Kluane National Park

7. Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre

Take a prehistoric detour at this amazing interpretive centre in Whitehorse, where you can learn about Yukon’s ice-age history and the people who mined the land long before we did.

Visit Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre

These are just a few of the gold nuggets that Yukon has to offer. So pack your adventurous spirit, and embark on the ultimate Yukon gold mining bucket list journey. You won’t be disappointed!

gold mining

Yukon Gold Mining Regulations: What You Need to Know

Hello, folks! It’s Terry, your resident Yukon gold miner.

While gold mining and prospecting in the Yukon is an exciting endeavor, it’s crucial to remember that it is a regulated activity under Yukon law. Whether you’re an amateur prospector or planning to start a full-scale operation, it’s essential to know and understand the regulations that govern gold mining in this region. Today, I’m here to break down some of the basics:

1. Claim Staking: To mine gold in the Yukon, you must first stake a claim on a piece of land. Claim staking involves physically marking the land and then recording the claim with the Yukon’s Mining Recorder’s Office. Before staking a claim, you should ensure the land is open for staking, as not all lands in the Yukon are available.

2. Permission and Permits: If you’re planning to prospect on someone else’s claim, you must first obtain the claim owner’s permission. In addition, depending on the scope and scale of your mining activities, you may need to secure various permits before you can start operations. For example, a Water License and Land Use Permit are required for any work that will cause significant disturbance to the land or use large volumes of water.

3. Environmental Considerations: Mining activities must be conducted with respect for the environment. The Yukon government has guidelines in place for minimizing environmental impact, such as those related to waste management and water use. You may also be required to post a financial security to ensure reclamation (restoration of the land after mining) is carried out.

4. Respect for First Nations Lands: Much of the land in the Yukon is owned by or subject to the rights of First Nations. Always make sure you’re aware of and respect any agreements in place regarding First Nations land and rights.

5. Royalties: If you extract gold or other minerals from your claim, you are required to pay royalties to the Yukon government. The royalty rate depends on the value of the gold or other minerals you extract.

Please remember this is just a general guide. The actual regulations are more detailed, and you should make sure you’re familiar with them before you begin mining. You can find more information on the Yukon government’s Energy, Mines, and Resources website.

Gold mining in the Yukon can be a thrilling adventure, but it’s important to do it responsibly and legally. Always respect the land, the laws, and the rights of others while pursuing your golden dreams. Happy mining, folks!

gold mining

Day in the Life of a Yukon Gold Miner

Hello everyone, it’s Terry!

Gold mining isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life that’s been handed down in my family for generations. I know many of you are curious about what a day in the life of a Yukon gold miner looks like, so I thought I’d give you a peek into my typical day.

Morning: The Yukon wilderness doesn’t come with a snooze button. My day usually begins with the rising sun, the call of the loons on the river, and a cup of strong black coffee. The first order of the day is a hearty breakfast because mining is energy-intensive work. After breakfast, I do a quick check of my gear, ensuring everything is in working order.

Mid-Morning: This is when the actual mining work starts. Depending on the day, I might be prospecting for new potential gold hotspots, running soil through the sluice box, or panning in the river. The work is physical, and the weather can be challenging, but there’s an indescribable joy in working the earth, knowing it might reveal its golden secrets to you.

Lunch: Around midday, I break for lunch. Sometimes, if the weather is good and the fish are biting, I’ll catch a fish from the river to grill over an open fire.

Afternoon: Post lunch, it’s back to work. If I’m onto a good spot, the hours fly by in a blur of dirt, water, and the occasional glint of gold. On a good day, the sight of a gold nugget or even just a few flakes can make all the effort worthwhile.

Evening: As the sun dips low, it’s time to wind down the mining operations. I clean and store the equipment and take stock of any gold found during the day.

Dinner: Dinner is a simple affair, often a hot stew, cooked over the fire, and a slice or two of sourdough bread, a staple in any miner’s diet. Post-dinner, I might record my findings and thoughts in my journal or spend some time stargazing.

Night: By nightfall, I’m usually ready to turn in. A miner’s day starts early, and a good night’s sleep is vital. I fall asleep to the sounds of the Yukon wilderness, ready to rise and repeat it all over again.

It’s not an easy life, but it’s a fulfilling one. Each day brings its own challenges and rewards, and there’s a certain romance to chasing the gleam of gold. Stay tuned for more glimpses into the life of a Yukon gold miner, and remember – not all that glitters is gold, but in the Yukon, you never know!

Until next time, keep digging!

Gold Mining Around Whitehorse Yukon

Many of you seem intrigued by the ins and outs of being a gold miner in the Yukon, so I’m back with a closer look at my daily life, spiced up with a hilarious tale from the heart of our local town, Whitehorse.

Morning routines in the Yukon wilderness, as I’ve mentioned before, involve the rising sun, a strong cup of black coffee, and gearing up for a full day of mining. The middle part of my day revolves around working the earth, seeking its golden treasures.

Now, let me take you on a brief detour to Whitehorse. Roughly once a month, I venture into town to stock up on supplies. Whitehorse, fondly referred to as ‘the Wilderness City,’ provides a much-needed connection to civilization and the occasional wacky encounter.

One such day, I walked into a local hardware store to pick up some mining supplies. A shiny object in the corner of the store caught my eye. It was a state-of-the-art metal detector, the kind that could find a gold tooth in a haystack from a mile away. An excited salesperson saw my interest and launched into a sales pitch about its ability to detect gold deep underground.

Intrigued by the prospect of easing my gold hunting endeavors, I asked, “Just how effective is this gadget?”

The salesman, ever so enthusiastic, guaranteed it was foolproof and would pay for itself with the gold I’d find. Unable to resist, I purchased it, thinking of all the undiscovered gold on my plot.

Eager to try out my new toy, I returned to my claim and started scanning. After about an hour of incessant beeping and digging, all I had found were rusty nails, bottle caps, and an ancient, half-eaten sandwich (the detector apparently had a setting for detecting ‘organic matter’).

Feeling a tad disheartened but still hopeful, I decided to give it one last shot. Suddenly, the detector started beeping furiously. This was it; I was sure. I dug feverishly, and there it was – an old, rusty horseshoe. No gold, no hidden treasures, just a reminder of a horse that once roamed these parts.

Needless to say, the metal detector now resides in my shed, occasionally brought out as a party trick to find lost keys. Meanwhile, I’ve gone back to the tried-and-true methods of gold panning. The incident served as a reminder that in gold mining, as in life, there are no shortcuts.

I’ll sign off for now, but stay tuned for more tales from the Yukon wilderness and the life of a gold miner. Until then, keep your pans shaking, and beware of fool’s gold and over-enthusiastic salespeople!

Until next time, happy prospecting!

gold mining

The History of Gold Mining on Our Family’s Land in Yukon

Hello folks, Terry here again!

Gold and my family, we go way back, all the way to the 1890s during the Klondike Gold Rush. Our ancestral land here in the Yukon has been home to many dreams, stories of triumph, and the occasional heartbreak. So, sit back, pour yourself a hot cup of coffee (or a stronger brew if you prefer) and journey back in time with me to the golden era of our family’s land.

Our saga begins with my great-great-grandfather, Patrick “Panning Patty” O’Reilly. Patty was a young Irishman when the Klondike Gold Rush beckoned, promising riches and adventure. With little more than hope and a sturdy pan, he sailed from Ireland, crossed the American continent, and ventured into the wild Yukon.

Patty staked his claim right here, where our family plot stands today. With patience, resilience, and a bit of Irish luck, he struck gold. The first significant find was a nugget the size of a hen’s egg, a story that’s been passed down through generations.

By the early 1900s, Patty had established a successful mining operation. My great-grandfather, Sean O’Reilly, took over the reins from Patty. Sean was an inventor at heart and introduced hydraulic mining to our claim. This innovation significantly increased their yield and cemented our family’s legacy in the Yukon’s gold mining history.

Then came the mid-1900s, and with it, my grandfather, Michael O’Reilly. He saw the value in sharing our family’s heritage and started offering tours of our claim. Visitors could try their hand at panning and learn about the rich history of the Klondike Gold Rush. It was during this time that our family’s land became not just a site for gold mining but also a living, breathing testament to history.

My father, Patrick O’Reilly II, kept the tradition alive, modernizing operations where necessary but preserving the spirit of the original gold rush pioneers. Now, I, Terry O’Reilly, am proud to continue this legacy, not just as a miner, but also as a custodian of the rich tapestry of our family’s history and the broader Yukon gold rush era.

Every grain of soil on our land, every sparkle of gold, carries the weight of stories that span over a century. It’s not just about the gold; it’s about the dreams of countless miners, the perseverance in the face of odds, the triumphs, the disappointments, and above all, the relentless human spirit that the quest for gold embodies.

When you visit our claim, you’re not just embarking on an adventure or a potential gold find. You’re stepping into a slice of history, a legacy that my family and I are proud to share with all of you.

Stay tuned for more tales of gold, grit, and glory from the Yukon wilderness. Until next time, remember, the truest gold is found in the stories we carry forward.

Until then, happy prospecting!

gold mining

The Pros and Cons of Working Alone vs. Working with a Partner in Gold Mining

What’s up, fellow gold miners? Terry here, and today I want to talk about the pros and cons of working alone versus working with a partner in this business.

Working alone can be great for those who prefer to work at their own pace and make all the decisions themselves. You can set your own schedule and take breaks whenever you want. Plus, you don’t have to split your profits with anyone else!

On the other hand, working with a partner can be beneficial in a number of ways. For one thing, it can be safer to have someone else around in case of accidents or emergencies. You can also split the workload and tackle bigger projects together. And let’s not forget the social aspect – it can be a lot more fun to work with a friend or partner than to go it alone.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to work alone or with a partner comes down to personal preference and your specific goals and needs as a gold miner. Whatever you decide, just remember to stay safe, stay positive, and keep on diggin’ for gold!

gold mining in yukon
gold mining, prospecting equipment

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!

gold mining, placer gold mining

Mining for gold (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do you mine for gold?

Gold mining is typically done in two steps: first, miners extract gold ore from the ground using heavy machinery and second, they process the gold ore to extract the gold. To do this, they typically use one of two methods: cyanide leaching or mercury amalgamation. Cyanide leaching is when cyanide solutions are used to dissolve the gold from the ore. This process is very toxic and can be dangerous if not done correctly. Mercury amalgamation is when mercury is used to extract the gold from the ore. This process is also very toxic and can be dangerous if not done correctly. Gold mining is a risky business, so it’s important to do your research and talk to other miners before you start mining. Once you’ve found a good location and have the proper equipment, you can start mining for gold.

How much do you make mining for gold?

This answer is dependent on a number of factors, including the price of gold, the size of the mine, and the efficiency of the mining operation. A small gold mine might only produce a few ounces of gold per year, while a large gold mine could produce hundreds or even thousands of ounces of gold per year. The price of gold also plays a role in how much miners make. If the price of gold is high, then miners will make more money, but if the price of gold is low, then they will make less money.

Can a person mine for gold?

Yes, a person can mine for gold. However, it is a very risky business with a high potential for loss. The key to making money in gold mining is to find a location where there is a high concentration of gold and to mine the heck out of that location. To find a high concentration of gold, you’ll need to do some research and talk to other miners. Once you’ve found a good location, you’ll need to invest in some heavy duty equipment and get to work mining the gold.

What are the risks of mining for gold?

The risks of mining for gold include exposure to toxic chemicals, such as cyanide and mercury; danger of falling into pits or shafts; and risk of being caught in mining equipment. Gold mining is a very risky business, so it’s important to do your research and talk to other miners before you start mining. Once you’ve found a good location and have the proper equipment, you can start mining for gold.

What are the benefits of mining for gold?

The benefits of mining for gold include the potential to make a lot of money; the ability to create new jobs; and the possibility to help spur economic growth in an area. Gold mining is a very risky business, but if done correctly, it can be a very profitable endeavor. The key to making money in gold mining is to find a location where there is a high concentration of gold and to mine the heck out of that location.

Is mining for gold profitable?

Yes, mining for gold is profitable. The cost of mining gold varies depending on the company, the country, and the type of mining. For example, 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. In South Africa, the world’s deepest gold mine is located at Mponeng. Gold mining is also big business in Australia. The country is home to the largest gold mine in the world, the Super Pit Mine, which is owned by Australian company Northern Star Resources.

The Bottom Line

Gold mining is a risky business with a high potential for loss. However, if done correctly, it can be a very profitable endeavor. The key to making money in gold mining is to find a location where there is a high concentration of gold and to mine the heck out of that location. To find a high concentration of gold, you’ll need to do some research and talk to other miners. Once you’ve found a good location, you’ll need to invest in some heavy duty equipment and get to work mining the gold.

gold mining challenges yukon
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