FAQ
What do I need to know?
WILL I FIND GOLD?
Very likely, although it may be extremely small. Although prospecting and mining is a relatively simple process, gold is quite rare and river gold is often only found in very fine particles. We will find many different metals both natural and manufactured, gemstones, such as garnets, which are prolific as well as other minerals. We rarely return without finding some precious metal. That said, please manage your expectations, there are no guarantees, these tours are an extension of a very real enterprise, hobby and passion. This is not some Disneyesque attraction. It also takes hard work, persistence and patience.
WHO CAN AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN?
We will teach you the fundamentals in about 20 minutes and help with final clean outs of the pan. As far as technique goes, the only difference between a complete novice and an experienced panner is the speed a pan is completed and the final clean out. Hints and tips will be given throughout the day.
Gold panning is a very inclusive activity, we have taken groups with varying abilities and disabilities and try to make the whole event as inclusive as possible for all involved. This has included helping get an all terrain wheelchair up and down the river bank, providing buckets to pan in for those less flexible, or simply making everyone comfortable to enjoy the river and the fresh air.
CAN I KEEP WHAT I FIND?
Generally, Yes, smaller finds are normally kept by the finder, (we will provide a container). Any significant finds are normally shared, 50% to the guide and the remainder split between the group. These type of finds must also be reported to the authorities and various laws do apply. The greatest reward is the adventure and to stand where so many have in the past. .
HOW IT WORKS
Successful prospecting and mining is achieved with hands on experience and guiding. This can only truly be realised in the field. However, understanding Specific Gravity (SG) is fundamental. SG or density is the rate a specific element or object will sink in a given liquid, in our case water. Heavy metals such as gold, silver, lead etc. will sink at a much higher rate than pebbles and sand, regardless of the actual weight of the object. For example, if you fill your pan with dirt and rocks, add water and shake, the contents will naturally separate into layers (stratifying). Less dense sands and silt will remain in suspension (floating), less dense pebbles will make up the first layer and on and on to the bottom of the pan where the items with the highest SG will rest, metals and ores. This allows you be quite aggressive with the pan, almost to the point it appears reckless, initially, the 'heavys' almost always remain at the bottom of the pan. More finesse and technique is applied at the end.
Rivers work in the same way, they are essentially a huge pan or, more accurately, a sluice. This is why concentrations of similar materials will fall in the same area.
HOW WET AND COLD WILL I GET?
This will vary depending on the areas visited, and weather, but mostly we will be working on fine days and in water that is less than ankle deep, so hiking boots or wellies are usually adequate. Even in the height of the summer the rivers are still quite cold, but since prospecting is quite an active pursuit most people find having cold feet quite soothing!
IS THIS ACTIVITY WEATHER DEPENDENT?
Yes and no, experienced prospectors will work in all weathers. Rain makes the rivers less accessible, and without appropriate clothing the whole experience is less enjoyable. Also the water will be less clear making it harder to learn and hone technique. We suggest checking the short range forecast, we will advise and also have many alternative locations to prospect should the initial choice be less than ideal or will rearrange another day. We go rain or shine, the choice is yours.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY TOUR?
Knowledge is king, watch some of our videos on the site or do a quick search on you tube. Nothing beats actual hands on, but watching others will speed up your technique and hopefully increase the odds of finding some specimens.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
We will provide all the necessary tools and equipment for the actual prospecting, anything else is for your own comfort and safety. Items we suggest are; a small back pack, a towel, a change of footwear or socks, snacks and drinks, any necessary medications (we will be in the wilderness!) epi-pens, inhalers, insulin etc. There are no nearby toilet facilities, bushes and trees similar to camping or hiking. As with any mountain activity it is best to dress in layers and expect the unexpected. The day may start hot and sunny, but a 20 minute thunderstorm can change the dynamic if unprepared.