Placer mining can be as simple as using a shovel and a gold pan in a creek.
On a placer claim, hand-mining a deposit of any size usually involves a sluice box or highbanker, and a water pump.
A machine-digging operation generally uses a backhoe or larger excavator and a more sophisticated "wash plant" for separating the gold from the pay dirt. See the Mining Equipment page for more information.
Of course, there are
laws and regulations
that govern all of this.
Use the information from this website At Your Own Risk.
The
Ministry
knows that you and your buddy, working a placer claim, aren't likely
to add a lot of wealth to the province... but you never know - you
might discover a large, rich deposit that does, and
makes you and your buddy rich, as well.
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USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Learning - Getting Started
If you are just beginning to learn about placer mining and/or hand panning
in BC, these are some good starting points - some may not apply to you. ...
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.
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.
Notices
Copyright 2011-2024 by Brian Marshall
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