Small Mining Operations
Cyanide-Free Gold Separation
February 2011 by Chris Ralph
Some ores—mostly those with a high free gold content—are very amenable to gravity concentration. Well oxidized ores containing coarse gold are usually best for non-cyanide processes. Ores with significant sulfide content may require the...
Resurrecting An Old Hard Rock Mine—A Series of Small Victories
…we cheered and high-fived each other as the ore cart slowly crested the top of the headframe, then picked up a bit of speed on the short downhill section and came to an abrupt halt, ejecting its contents of ore…
The Miner’s Switchback
Common thought is the switchback slows the velocity of the rushing water and gold drops out from the cut bank to a fill gravel bar within or below the switchback. I am not going to disregard that model; however, I hope to improve upon it.
Ask The Experts
Q: How do I improve my small-scale mining operation’s gold production?
The Highs and Lows of Drywashing
We were met with a plethora of mechanical problems with the dry washer and even a few with the excavator that were at times frustrating, but we were in this for the long haul, so we needed to solve these problems and move forward.
Ophir—Possibly the Best Kept Secret in Alaska!
...I decided to excavate the semi-frozen high-bank that was resting on a soft shale bedrock footing. Within three feet, I encountered an intrusive!
Gold Rush in the Congo—Part II
We needed something to cook on, so we brought most of our kitchen with us including our full-size oven, which was pretty funny to see in the middle of a rainforest. Food was always a concern, but fortunately for us...
The Fire Assay of Carbon
Carbon, activated charcoal, or “char,” as some old timers refer to it, can be an assayer’s nightmare.
Subscription Required:
The Bawl Mill
• Our Readers Say
• The Basics of Crushing and Milling Operations
• Ask The Experts—What minerals are magnetic? Can rare earth magnets capture platinum?
• Ask The Experts—Jet nozzle or suction nozzle? Which is best for my highbanker?
• Ask The Experts—Precious metals in water?
• Rediscovering Placerville, California
• Eastern Arizona: Gold and Base Metal Deposits—Part I
• Over The Divide—Daryl J. Nelson
• Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Mining Stock Quotes & Mineral and Metal Prices
• Melman on Gold & Silver
