This website is about placer mining in BC - finding and mining gold
that has been deposited by moving water. It is not about "hard rock"
mining in solid rock.
Learning How Use the MTO Mapping System
To get into placer mining (even recreational hand panning), you really need to learn how to use the MTO Mapping system, if only to find out where there are claims. It looks complicated because it can do a lot, but it is pretty easy to use.Click on the MTO Maps etc. link in the main menu, above, and then click on the Making Maps link.
Information But No Guarantee
This website has been made available to help people. The owner does
not claim to be an expert and all information is provided
"as is" with no guarantee that it is correct or fit
for any particular purpose.
Use the information from this website At Your Own Risk.
A Great Time For Placer Mining in BC
The Price of Gold
'nuf said.Water Pumps and Deposits Above Creek Level
Low cost gasoline powered water pumps make it possible to mine deposits well above creek level - something that was very difficult to do in the gold rushes or in the 1930s. These deposits can be the best potential opportunities for the individual hand-miner.Abandoned Channels
Modern water pumps make it a simple matter to mine an abandoned channel that is above and away from the current channel, which can be the best potential opportunity for machine-digging operations.Hydraulic Excavators
Excavators of any size can be bought or leased. They can also be rented - with or without an operator. And of course BC has no shortage of guys with a backhoe.The BC Government Wants You To Mine Gold.
The laws, fees and inspectors in BC are generally very friendly towards individuals and small operations.The Ministry knows that you and your buddy working a placer claim aren't likely to add a lot to the wealth of the province, but you may discover a large, rich deposit that does.