Researching a new gold location

Researching a new gold location

Where to Go Detecting: How We Decide!

One of the most frequent questions I get is, "Where should I go detecting?" It’s a great question and one we never take lightly. Planning ahead is key to making your detecting trips successful. We never just drive to a random spot and hope for the best. Instead, we carefully research and strategize. While where we go is often limited by where we’re allowed access, the information below will help you make informed decisions for your next detecting adventure! This is just one tiny part of the research stage but it is a good place to start. Let me know if you guys want a deep dive into any of the below. Like I said this only scares the surface of researching in the gold world but let me know what you want more of and I can write some more!

TROVE: A Researcher’s Dream

Trove is a free, revolutionary search engine created by the National Library of Australia. It provides access to over 90 million resources, including old newspaper clippings and books documenting historical gold finds, forgotten mines, and much more. This tool is fantastic for prospectors because it helps uncover information that isn’t available on typical mining databases like Tengraph or GeoVic.

Here’s how to use Trove to your advantage:

  • Search for recordings of large gold finds or historical gold claims.

  • Study how old-timers operated—there’s a lot of wisdom in their methods that still applies today.

Example searches for Mount Magnet:

  • “Big nuggets Mt Magnet”

  • “Gold claims Mt Magnet”

  • “Prospecting Mt Magnet”

The possibilities are endless, and you might discover clues from newspaper clippings that lead you straight to hidden treasure!

Here are a few links to interesting reads for each state:

Western Australia:

Victoria:

New South Wales:

South Australia:

Queensland:

Books: The Old Timers’ Gold Knowledge

If you're serious about prospecting, investing in the right books is crucial. The wisdom and experience of old-time prospectors are invaluable, and much of their knowledge has been preserved in books. Here are a few must-reads:

  • Gold and Ghosts

  • Mates and Gold

  • Council Gold Mining Leases WA 1954

These books will give you details on historical workings, lease numbers, and much more. Even if the lease isn't accessible, it can help you find nearby areas with similar ground where you can prospect.

Maps: The Key to Success

Maps are essential when gold detecting. When used with tools like Trove and historical records, they help you pinpoint areas with the highest potential. Here’s what we look for on maps:

  • Contact zones: Areas where different geological types meet, which often signal gold.

  • Fault lines: Follow fault lines for potential new gold ground.

  • Geological colors: Map colors represent different rock types, crucial for identifying greenstone belts where gold may be present.

  • Historical workings: See where historical mining occurred, then locate similar geology nearby that’s accessible.

You can find maps at your local prospecting store or your state’s mining department.

Google Earth: A High-Tech Time Saver

Google Earth is a fantastic free tool to explore areas before you even leave home. You can zoom in on prospective sites, looking for gold indicators like disturbed ground, and overlay geological maps from Tengraph and GeoVic for more detailed insights.

Mining Department Databases

Each state has its own wealth of knowledge accessible through its mining department. Resources like Tengraph, GeoVic, WAMEX, drill hole data, soil samples, and geological maps are vital tools for serious prospectors. For example, WAMEX in Western Australia offers open-file reports on exploration projects, giving you insight into which leases have been productive.

State Records for More Research

Each state also has historical records that are accessible to the public. You can use these records like you would Trove to dig up past mining activities. Here are links to each state’s records:

Conclusion

I hope this information helps guide your next prospecting trip! If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible community, and happy hunting!

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