Gold Prospecting

[Dathi the Druid]

Anyone her done any gold hunting?

I've been spending some of these Summer days pottering around outdoors with my boys, looking for gold. It's about as good as it gets - using bushcraft for a purpose, rather than just messing about in the woods. Not seen a thread about this using the search box, and not sure if this is the right place, but here goes anyway - could be classified as a set of tales.

Firstly, hobby prospecting is unlikely to make anyone rich, but as a purposeful reason to be out in nature and a different way to enjoy the outdoors, it's hard to beat. Last weekend we went camping and prospecting. Apart from some minimal flakes, we found little, but had a great time. So I figured I might pull a few resources together on this topic.

For starters, take a gander at this bloke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6zyx2-Zyv4&list=UUBBF1PAuX5OatmeJyzg2sTA There are a whole series he has produced and they're great. I guess his attitude would sit well with the ethos of Natural Bushcraft i.e. his appreciation of the natural world, application of "real" bushcraft, and pioneering spirit. Watch at about 12 mins in as he gets "existential" with a rock. Also, as a Dad, I reckon he's got things just right with his youngster. And his bush hut is pretty cool, with lots of practical bushcrafty skills in evidence.

Also, I found this series really helpful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTqSoEAvHBo&list=UU7KQBqFNweFQFDKC9Jw2-HQ wheregoldis.com Lots of practical "how to" material.

Like any hobby, prospecting has it's own kit dangers. Just like Bushcraft only really needs a Swiss army knife, a bit of string, a hardware shop hatchet and a bit of old tarp...... but when you look again, you suddenly appear on the "What have you bought now" thread shaking your head at the 200 quid knife you just could not live without.

So, we started off with an aluminium frying pan, an old geologists hammer and a fire-bucket, but now have proper pans, sieves and a bunch of other kit. And then I found this web-site of the British Gold Panning Association with an online shop that looks very tempting: http://www.goldpanningsupplies.co.uk/store/index.php

So, where to find gold? Well, in truth, there are traces of gold in just about any waterway. Payable and worthwhile gold takes a bit more research and effort. There is a handy online book (although Aussie, the principles are international) GETTING GOLD: A PRACTICAL TREATISE FOR PROSPECTORS, MINERS, AND STUDENTS. By J. C. F. Johnson, F. G. S. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3679/3679-h/3679-h.htm

A good start is to look at old maps or search Geological Survey reports for info on old mining activities. Just because old mines are defunct, it does not mean that no minerals are left, just that they were no longer economically viable - and therefore ideal for hobby prospectors. It is possible to be discreet and follow "leave no trace" principles downstream of any old workings.

Any other "gold bugs" here?

Dathi

[biker-bri]

Something I had never thought of Dathi and as I live in wales ( well known for its royal gold wedding rings ) I am surprised more of us haven't tried it.
Good luck & happy prospecting, Bri

[happybonzo]

Mid and North Wales is worth a go :)

[shepherd]

never even considered this in the UK before but its def somthing id love a go at!

[FishyFolk]

Always heard there is gold up here...and one of those pans are quite cheap...and perhaps I have found work for one of the old worn out wok's I have in the shed :-)

[Dathi the Druid]

There are plenty of online resources if you poke around the web. Wikipedia is a good start. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining_in_Roman_Britain and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining_archaeology_in_British_Isles

This site has a very well priced kit, and excellent location links for England, Scotland and the UK: http://www.themightyeagle.co.uk/where-to-pan-for-gold-in-england/
Ireland detailed here: http://www.mineralsireland.ie/NR/rdonlyres/DE03860F-E4EE-4D03-83C6-13E92E52A623/0/Gold_article.pdf

There are places where this can be done on an organised basis: http://www.suisgill.co.uk/things-to-do/gold-panning/
http://www.gold-panning.co.uk/2daycourse.html


It's worth making a few environmental protection points. Getting permission is always important, not disturbing SAC's is a legal issue, and being aware of fish spawning grounds (gravel beds) is critical. There is a big difference between small-scale hobby panning and commercial or semi-commercial operations, and anything that disrupts nature inordinately cannot be endorsed. Local knowledge is always advised.

Dathi

[shepherd]

some of those lake district destinations are only afew mins from me.. need me a wok! haha

[Dathi the Druid]

See pages 16 to 21 for a seeeriouuus bushcraft kit-list: http://archive.org/details/placermininghand00coll

Some of these old handbooks make great reading. There is mention in this book of a "Klondike Home", this being a "portable" shelter costing (then) $200 and weighing 130 lb's . Sounds like an interesting project for glampers:

"They are intended for two people, but, it is claimed, will house four and even six. It is said that the homes can be put up in an hour or less, and taken down and put in bundles in the same time. The frame is made of steel tubing, "telescoping" into the posts, which in turn are packed into the stove funnel, and this is put into a canvas cover for protection in transit. The material which forms the walls and roof is aluminum. The stove is of sheet steel, packed in a canvas bag to allow easy handling, and there are no sharp corners to cut into the carrier. It has two six-inch rounds on the top, and an oven of sufficient size, around which all the heat must pass. A copper-bottom boiler and a tea kettle are packed inside the fire-box, and there is room in this and in the oven to pack food and cooking utensils. The roof and
walls of the " home" are packed into the bed, a sort of flat hammock, which when in use as a bed supports two people three feet above the floor. The frame is held together by connections resembling pipe fittings. This is covered with sheet aluminum, so lapped and fitted together that it is water and weather proof. It is guyed from the upper corners, like a tent. Hooks are provided on which to hang clothing, etc. A shelf along the side serves as a table.
The bed is folded and used as a bench seat during the day. The windows are of transparent celluloid and are practically indestructible. The "homes" are 6 ft. 6 in. long X 5 ft. 6 in. wide X 6 ft. 6 in. high."

[BJ]

I did get a plastic gold panning bowl with ridges a few years ago when visiting a site in North Wales. I have never used it yet despite some research on the gold belt from near Barmouth across a large area of North Wales. It's still on my "to do" list and I think I still have the places on a map somewhere that looked interesting. :cool:

[OakAshandThorn]

No gold in my area, and probably the most 'valuable' stone I'd come across is flint or chert.
But I should've thought of this when I took a road trip out to California ;).

[David_JAFO]

hello,
I've seen it done at the Leadhills Wanlockhead, a small village in Dumfries and Galloway. The Lowther Hills about one mile south of Leadhills at the head of the Mennock Pass, which forms part of the Southern Uplands BTW. It is also Scotland's highest village, great country for wild Bushcraft/survival/fishing, been there numerous occasions. Wales I was on a visit to the Welsh Gold Mine Dolaucothi near Pumsaint in Carmarthenshire tried my hand (again) at panning plus I was allowed to keep a unusual rock I found on the guided tour, which may have had gold attatched before it was mined, lovely colours minerals etc.. still got it. Not something I've wanted to try seriously, but never the less, while filling up from any stream for a brew, I always have a look at the bed of the stream etc.. just incase of that big nugget lying waiting there.. amazing what you find :wink:
Regards
David

[Dathi the Druid]

For what it's worth, I've been using this last week of the holliers as a prospecting mission - determined to find something substantial of value - no great luck yet, but it's a cool thing to be doing with boys and dogs. So we found old silver mines and collected samples from a creek downstream. No riches but some great mineral specimens - crystals and the like. 9890

But a bit more planning is needed to explore these properly. You can see the angle of the reef clearly from the entrance pikkie. A short distance in, a series of adits dropped away following the reef incline. Slippery and dangerous, and our torches were of little help. Another visit calls, but this time with proper kit (and no dogs).
9892

Today was off to another area we have frequented a fair bit over the years. Sadly the whole hillside was now fenced off with "No Trespassing" signs all over the place. Not to be deterred we took a stealthy route through some forestry. Stealth was not helped much by my younger blokes choice of shorts!

But we found a concealed spot and set to work. No gold (or anything else) but few things beat messing about alongside a creek on a warm day. In the pikkie you can see some essential bits of kit - fold-up spade, classifier (sieve to get rid of bigger stones), wellies, and pan (with ridges to capture heavier metals).

9893

A really essential bit of kit is a substantial staff. Wading through streams (and clumps of nettles) is made so much easier with a solid hiking pole.

The adventures continue.......

[David_JAFO]

hello,
Now that looks fun BTW :wink:
Regards
David
T^

[Dathi the Druid]

Just found this series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWq6OPzR6ew Klondike: Quest for Gold
Reality TV series of a gang recreating the journey to the Klondike. Definitely not lightweight bushcrafting!!! Lots of interesting stuff and well worth a watch.
And in fairness, a tip of the hat to the crew - it's a considerably tougher trek than anything I might of done during army days! 3 Months, 3000 lb's, 500+ miles.