Gold mining and prospecting is still going strong in the state of Nevada. In fact, gold can be found in many of the 17 counties in the state with the higher concentrations of placer finds located in many Northern Nevada counties. Many modern day prospectors use high quality and super-sensitive electronic metal detectors designed specifically for searching for precious metals. Searching for nuggets of gold with a metal detector is known as “nugget shooting,” and is popular among weekend prospectors. Others go the traditional route and pan for gold. Some dredge for gold or use sluice boxes to search for gold in rivers in the Nevada.
The larger Nevada gold mining operations are run by large mining corporation. Today geologist-miners use the hard rock gold mining method where tons of rock are crushed to obtain a microscopic grains of gold. It seems a lot of work for a little reward, but with today’s gold prices at around $1,200 an ounce, it is an economical mining method.
But–take heart– there is still gold being found even today by small companies, families, and even one-man prospecting operations. Prospecting for gold can be great family fun. Your efforts to find a few grains or nuggets of this precious resource will get you out into the fresh air and provide you with a bit of exercise.
Small scale prospectors often look for gold in what are called placers–natural concentrations of ore created by the effects of weather and gravity. Placers occur when rain and sedimentary action wash the ore down from mountains and deposit it in streams beaches, or gravel pits. In some places, you can even discover gold nuggets using a hand-held metal detector. Panning is done along the banks of narrow rivers and streams.
Where to Look
Gold deposits have been found in Nevada near Lovelock, Minden, Winnemucca, Carson City and Virginia City. There are also many gold deposits along the southwestern area of the state along the California-Nevada border.
Information about the locations of the more than 100 mining districts in the state can be obtained from the Nevada Bureau of Land Management(BLM). The BLM offers information on locations where gold has been discovered. They also have lists of gold mining lease expiration dates. The BLM has established the rules and regulations relating to panning, searching with metal detectors and other equipment.
Equipment You’ll Need
What equipment you will need depends on what method you intend to use–whether “nugget shooting”, panning, sluicing or dredging. A quick search online will reveal a list of prospecting equipment suppliers.
Do not invest a lot of money in equipment if your are just starting out searching for gold in Nevada. Start with the simple panning method to see if prospecting for gold is right for you. Later, you can buy more advanced equipment such as a sluice box or metal detector as your interest grows and you become more knowledgeable in the field of prospecting.
Searching for gold in Nevada can be a great way to spend a weekend or an entire vacation. With planning and persistence you could be rewarded with a valuable find. This can become a hobby that offers benefits to your health and to your wealth.
