January 2011 (Vol. 80, No. 5) $3.75
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The Bawl Mill
• By the numbers...
• Railway plan is a bit off track -
Our Readers Say
Suggestions for claim jumpers -
Ask The Experts—Amalgamation
Q: Exactly how does amalgamation work? Does it “melt” the gold (or copper, or silver, etc.) and form an alloy? If one leaves a piece of gold in mercury, will the entire sample become an amalgam (combination) of gold and mercury? Or does it only affect the surface... -
China Gold Imports Increased 500 Percent in 2010
It’s been no secret that the prices of gold and silver have been moving upward at a fast clip in recent months. Gold has soared 27 percent so far this year. There has not been a significant drop-off in production, so it’s been evident that an increase in demand has been a part of the force driving the price upward.
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Tips for Effective Drywashing
Back in October I read with great interest Chris Ralph’s article on the use of a metal detector while drywashing, and I wholeheartedly agree—I wouldn’t even consider going drywashing without using a metal detector in conjunction... -
Legislative and Regulatory Update
• California suction dredgers had better prepare for battle -
Great Panther Silver
The company acquired the Guanajuato Mine Complex in 2005, and since that time they have carried out extensive drilling programs, both from surface and underground, with particular emphasis being placed on the Cata Clavo Zone. -
The Downieville Gold District
Many locals are just waiting for California to allow dredging once more, especially with the current gold prices. There are still plenty of good opportunities for prospectors in this area, just as it has been for so many years. -
Oregon Miners Take DEQ to Court, Again
Since 2005, a group representing a handful of Oregon and Washington mining organizations, centered around the Eastern Oregon Mining Association (EOMA) and the Waldo Mining District (WMD), have been actively fighting the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) over their then new “700PM Suction Dredge Mining Permit.” -
Rattler's Gold
Rick donned a pair of fiberglass shin guards that he normally wore dredging, just in case he uncovered the rattlesnake during his digging and rock moving. I wasn’t convinced they were going to provide enough protection. -
Successful Gold Prospecting
There are loads of new gold prospectors attracted by the current high prices, and so I thought it might be a great time to take a look at what makes some prospectors so much more successful than others. -
US Mint to Offer Other Precious Metal Coins
Investors and collectors may also be able to purchase palladium coins after President Obama signed a bill authorizing palladium coins if there is sufficient demand. -
The Business of Mining: Unlimited Possibilities With LLCs
Once all of the pros and cons are considered, many miners and prospectors have discovered the so-called “Limited Liability Company” is the most profitable operating entity for their venture. -
Silver Boom Prompts Idaho Mine Expansion
The Lucky Friday is already one of North America’s deepest hard-rock mines. Now, the 62-year-old mine is about to get much deeper. -
Melman on Gold & Silver
When we look ahead into 2011, we see continuing troubles such as those listed earlier, which will force the public to question the effectiveness of the entire concept of economic strength and vitality through government interventions. In fact, many of those interventions have been abject failures, and we wonder if or when the public will lose confidence in the entire system.
