Recreational Mining
Recreational mining is at the opposite end of the spectrum from large scale, corporate mining operations. It is often done by individuals, with limited tools and resources, and rarely proves particularly profitable. The thrill of the chase, as well as the excitement of discovering one?s own raw precious materials, tend to be the main driving goals. The production level then becomes a secondary focus, and a single raw nugget of gold in one?s own hand possesses a greater value than a ton of gold processed by someone else.
A common type of recreational, small-scale mining is called Placer Mining. A placer is a natural concentration of heavy minerals, caused by the effect of gravity on moving particles. Over time, such minerals are washed downhill by weathering processes into streams. The lighter minerals are carried downstream, and the heavier ones (such as gold, platinum, cassiterite, magnetite, chromite, ilmenite, rutile, native copper, zircon, monzanite, and various gemstones) are trapped in what become placer deposits.
A placer miner must know where to find placer deposits, which are located in various places around the United States. Additionally, there are problems of land ownership, water supply, and water pollution that affect placer mining. A good choice for novices is to visit one of the many ?pan-for-a-fee? establishments that exist.
Instructions on filing for patents and staking claims can be obtained from the United States Bureau of Land Management, as well as each state?s mining agencies.
For more information on recreational mining, mining locations, and mining history, see the following links.
Including answer to general questions, getting started with equipment and locations, definitions, methods and techniques, sites for mining, and much more.
A collection of articles dealing with the anatomy of a mine, how to mine and prospect for gold, links to a database of mining claims, principles ofd mineral classification, issues of Minerals Today, and much more.
A directory of businesses, clubs, and personal web sites on mining. Miners take the time to also post relevant information such as where to find geoscience & history museums not listed.
A recreational mining and camping location between Marion and Rutherfordton, North Carolina hosting a Miner's Meet annually.
Prospecting for gold in the wilderness is an idea past its prime. No hotels, few resorts and no room service. To others, it is an idea born from dreams of grand adventure; a map, an open trail, and a metal dish for panning in cold mountain streams for nuggets of gold. And then, there is a growing number of wilderness adventurers who fall into yet a third category, a new category: those that pan and prospect for the yellow ore for both adventure and profit. Not that anybody is getting rich at it.
This page lists sites where you can search for gold in Alaska. Most of these sites have easy access and many have no fees... you keep what you find. Please follow the rules noted for the free sites, and do not venture outside the listed areas, as you will most likely end up on someone's mining claim. Responsible use of these areas will help insure that we can all enjoy them for years to come.
With a history, recreational gold mining information, and current opportunities and restrictions on the mining acreage in the Keyesville Mining Area.
Find all kinds of information and equipment used for recreational mining of a wide variety of minerals and gemstones.
A great short story about recreational mining in Herkimer NY. Join in on their excitement as they find a diamond by Carmy Witzke. Includes a number of recreational mining links and info here.
