Gold prospecting in Qld
Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 at 10:00
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Keith_A (Qld)
I would like some
feedback from ExploreOz people who are do a little gold prospecting.
Having dreamed for years about owning a metal detector, I finally saved enough 'pennies' to buy a good one - GP3500 (not 'pennies' either).
Done the research - off to the store - and was told - 'If you live in Victoria or WA - buy one. If you live in SE Qld, buy a fishing rod instead'.
And this, from the Qld dealer - with the unit on
the bench in front of me.
Question - is he right??
He could have sold me the unit and made the sale - quickly.
I don't for a moment expect to find enough to even pay for the unit, but as an avid offroad camper, given the
places we go in Qld, I thought there would be at least a fair chance of finding some (with the right gear).
Perhaps he is one of the few remaining honest shopkeepers around.
If you are a geologist, prospector, or own a metal detector - would appreciate your
feedback.
Thanks.................Keith
Reply By: japmel - Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 at 12:29
Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 at 12:29
I have been detecting for about 8 years now and am currently useing a Minelab GP3000. And I have to agree with the dealer, If you live in South East Queensland and don't intend to travel for the sole purpose of finding gold then don't buy the detector.
It's a lot of money to outlay.
Given where you live I would be looking more at detecting some of those beaches you have down that way, So I would recommend you buy a Minelab Sovereign coin & relic detector.
Gold is hard to find and when it is found nobody is ever going to put it back in the ground, But people are always going to drop coins and jewelery.
Just my thoughts
Regards
japmel
AnswerID:
147579
Follow Up By: Nebster - Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 at 12:54
Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 at 12:54
I agree with japmel "Gold is hard to find" I currently use a late model GP Extreme would love to have a 3500 but the gold doesn't come that easy that I can convince the Minister for finance that I can get a new one.
These links might help too
Geoscience Australia
Alluvial Gold Prospectors MSN
A good book is Gold and Ghost, but the price of it ranges from about 350 to 500 dollars and then some.
But at the end of the day gold is where you find it.
All the best, see you in the fields.
FollowupID:
400917
Follow Up By: Member - Brian (WA) - Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 at 19:56
Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 at 19:56
Hi Proberly japmel&nebster are right cheers brian. I would say get a gp extreme.I prospect in
WA and its not easy to find gold. We have 2 gp,s which we got when they first came out. They are still a good detector and you could
proberly get one for half the price of a 3500. If you were doing it for a
living yes get one but for a weekender I think a gp will be as good.
Dosn't matter which machine you have you still have to go over a piece
to find it.
FollowupID:
400970
Reply By: Member - David 0- Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 at 20:18
Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006 at 20:18
Well I am not a geologist, not a prospector, but have studied the history of the gold mines in this area. If your detector is for detecting nuggets, you will be hard pressed to find any, as most of the gold in this part of QLD is alluvial. I know nothing about detectors, but assume they would struggle picking up specs of "colour" and you would be better of with other methods.
The main "reefing" areas are Charters Towers and
Ravenswood, and they have been picked over for nearly 150 years. So with my extremely limited knowledge, I'd agree with the advice you got.
Still I bet you can have some fun finding other stuff.
AnswerID:
147660