Remote Prospecting?

[Geowizard]

DIY Assay;

Assay work is expensive and time consuming when done in a commercial assay lab.

It is possible for a prospector to use basic chemistry skills and get a usable analysis. The wet chemical approach uses chemicals that react with metals. This level of analysis can be used to get an idea of the quantity of copper, silver and GOLD in a sample.

Cautionary note:

The chemistry described here is general in scope to avoid a cook book description of chemistry that could lead unqualified persons into hazardous situations. The web has many resources that explain the details of how to accomplish the procedures vaguely outlined here. I encourage others to learn these skills under the supervision of an experienced professional.

"quantitative" analysis dictates accurate measurement of the weight of the sample. A high quality scale with calibration weights is a necessity. The sample is usually pulverized, dried, weighed and digested in a known chemical solution. The first step having the capability of reacting with copper and silver. The Copper and silver can be precipitated separately, dried and weighed individually.

Finally, the GOLD is dissolved and precipitated. The precipitate is dried and weighed.

Resources;

There are books on the subject. An excellent paper written by Hoke can be found online.

The objective is to get numbers that reflect the degree of precious metals including copper.

With sufficient time and financial resources, additional elements can be analyzed using an AA spectrometer.

Proper documentation of the sampling process and using a chain of custody improves the confidence of a potential investor/partner or buyer.

Next, we can look at extraction of the metals.

- Geowizard

[Geowizard]

Production requires mining and extraction;

The challenge in prospecting is finding a deposit having sufficient value to offset the cost of mining and the cost of extraction.

The cost of mining is a subject that deserves it's own thread!

Extraction;

The cost of extraction can be narrowed down to the process and the cost of all of the inputs. In a hydrometallurgrical extraction, the rock is crushed, milled and screened. If sulfide ore, it is roasted. Flotation or gravity concentration can be performed. Then solutions are added to dissolve the copper and silver. The copper and silver can be precipitated. The precipitate represents a concentrate that ships directly to a refiner. The miner gets a check or a direct deposit in the bank.

GOLD is extracted the same way with a different solution. GOLD precipitate (cement GOLD) is produced and goes directly to a refiner. The number of possibilities include other steps like flotation. A flow chart is often developed to show the process of extraction. The NovaGold / Alaska Gold NI 43-101 report given in an earlier link shows an excellent example that details the flow with cost at each step in the process.

In Alaska, Hardrock mining is permitted under a Hardrock APMA. Where placer GOLD can be recovered, a dual recovery process can be designed. In some cases where free GOLD is present in schistose rock and eroded into the stream bed, crushing the schistose rock will increase the yield.

Positive cash flow from one mining operation can help fund exploration for additional mining projects. The scenario shown here is one example of many possibilities. Understanding that most of the obvious placer GOLD deposits have been discovered and subsequently mined out, it is good to know prospectors have new tools to go out and find hidden GOLD.

Don't go away!

- Geowizard

[Geowizard]

Who am I?

I am not a Geologist.

A few members of this forum have met me. For those that have not met me, I am Geowizard. That's it. I am a form of wizard, a "Geowizard".

Geowizards are a unique group of people that specialize in a combination of what some call "magic wizard stuff" and Geology. On this Forum, we have covered much of what can be learned and understood about Geophysics.

I enjoy sharing information and learning new things. Exploring the Mining Districts in Alaska using geophysical data is a fascination of mine. A way of prospecting in places and at times of year that would make prospecting impossible in the field.

My experience over the past 60 years has been related to prospecting. I have had the distinct pleasure of reading more books, writing and lecturing at the Undergraduate level and Graduate level than most Grads I have met. Although, I would add from experience, the value of formal academic work deserves a high level of recognition and appreciation. There is simply more than one path that can lead us to the same destination.

The remarkable part of my experience is having led a parallel life immersed in Electronics (the magic wizard stuff).

I am fortunate to be a member of this forum and will as long as I can, contribute to the subjects related to Remote Prospecting and continuing our mission of GOLD prospecting and discovery!

So, stick around!

- Geowizard

[Jim_Alaska]

Thank you for that short bio Chuck, it was interesting.

[Geowizard]

Jim,

Thank you for providing a platform for Alaska Gold Prospecting and the many interesting subjects related to prospecting to be discussed!

- Geowizard

[Jim_Alaska]

You are welcome Chuck, I have enjoyed the interaction between members. I originally started the forums as a platform for trappers when I was in Alaska. Unfortunately trappers are, and tend towards, being "loners" even more than miners are. They started using the forums, but then one by one they dropped off. I finally closed the trapping forum down and chose to continue with the prospecting forum only.

We have had great success with the prospecting forums, even though actual traffic is not all that great. But I find that of all the forums I have been on, ours has the best content, more detailed content, and more expertise than any others. You have been a large part of the excellent content here that is not to be found anywhere else.

Thank you for your contributions and I look forward to future continued content that everyone can benefit from, whether they are beginners or accomplished prospectors.

[Geowizard]

Prospecting a Creek;

Here's a link to the mindat.org webpage.

Here we have a potential high grade deposit inferred from data. This is an example of how a deposit can be "almost discovered". Prospectors found GOLD. A very high grade deposit was right under their feet.

Getting there is half the fun!

Nome has an air charter service called Bering Air. They have Helicopters!

https://www.beringair.com/helicopters/

I measured the distance from the Nome airport to the primary anomaly.

Shuttle a couple of prospectors with an auger, shovels, sample bags, stakes and paper. Setup a prospecting camp and you're all set to go. The Huey can sling load 4-wheelers, generators, bulk fuel too!

Stick around, there's more!

- Geowizard

[Leonard]

That Bering Air link made me want to fly up there just to run around and check out the scenery. The wife and I are into bird watching and that's supposed to be a good place to go.The migratory birds just started showing up around here last week.
Leonard

[Geowizard]

Aerial prospecting;

A round-trip ticket in the R44 will run about $1000. You'll need two tickets!

It's a four place (3 passengers) helicopter at best. The useful load is 700 pounds. I don't recommend a solo prospecting expedition, but sometimes that's the way to go. A prospector with limited provisions could fly in and set up a modest camp. A simple plan would include sampling, panning if possible for a week with a scheduled pickup time. If the prospect looks good, additional provisions could be brought out on the second flight. The area is remote enough, that it's probably safe to stash provisions. Bush rules apply and most Alaskans don't bother other peoples camps.

On the way, a prospector is over-flying many other prospects. It's an opportunity to look at and possibly get aerial video of the surface conditions and water flowing in creeks and streams. Getting a bird's eye view of routes where access trails can be made will be valuable when the time comes to make a trail.

Don't go away!

- Geowizard

[Joe S (AK)]

Hey Leonard - just how would you get staying in a tent on the beach past your Mrs.?

And just think back ----- how many birds did you actually see the last time you went to Nome?

You're cruisin' for lumps on your head, Sir - BIG 'OLE LUMPY LUMPS!

- Joe -