february quill 2012

8/3/2019 February Quill 2012

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G LD NUGGETS is a blog for and by GPOC members. Gold Nuggets is an informational hub for members to keep

up-to-date with GPOC news and events. We encourage you to email your news items and information to the webmaster atwww.gpoc.com.

Join GPOC on FACEBOOK! You need your own Facebook account.Access GPOC on FACEBOOK through a link on the GPOC website.

The Prospectors Quill will contain more articles and links when accessed on-line

february2012

quill

THEPROSPECTORS

Official publication of The Gold Prospectors of Colorado volume 39 no.2POBox 1593, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901

Inside

Book Sale! 2Contacts! 2February Calendar! 3February Events! 4January Meeting Minutes! 5Claims Committee! 6Batteries & Head Phones! 6Grand Canyon Claims! 7Researching Maps On-line! 7Prospecting the Internet! 8Mining Google Earth ! 9Sluice Box Slick Plates ! 10Sluice Box Slick Plates ! 11Sluice Box Slick Plates ! 12Mineral Specimen Identification !13Mineral Specimen Identification !14

www.gpoc.com

Cabin Fever by Lin

While we are al l prevented fromprospecting in many of our favorite spotswe can still do a lot of research whilesuffering from cabin fever.

There is a wealth of information on theinternet and in local libraries that could notonly lead you to a prospective location, butcould help you identify property ownershipand the laws and regulations that would beapplicable to the location. If you read thearticle on a book sale to be held at theColorado School of Mines Arthur LakesLibrary you may be able to pickup materialsfor your own research and library.

In this issue of the Quill I have also givenyou a few hints for getting your equipmentready for the coming season as well asresources for research.

There are several tentative dates forGPOC activities for 2012:

Lets Go Gold Panning! May 12th-13thClaims Committee Outing - GPOC 1! May 18th-19thTerritory Days Old Colorado City, CO! May 26th,27,28thKingdom Days Breckenridge, CO

! June 16th-17th

Founders Day Frisco, CO

! 4th July weekend TBA

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo CS, CO

! July 11th-14th

Burro Days Fairplay, CO

! July 28th-29th

State Gold Panning ChampionshipsBreckenridge, CO

! TBA (1st weekend of August)

Denver Gem & Mineral Show

! September 14th-16th

! !

Happy Valentines Day!

33.85 Ounces

Found June 16, 2004, at GCreek near McGrath, AlaskaSteve Burris of Idaho with a mdetector.
http://www.gpoc.com/http://www.akmining.com/ganes.htmhttp://www.akmining.com/ganes.htmhttp://www.akmining.com/ganes.htmhttp://www.akmining.com/ganes.htmhttp://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/


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GPOC The Prospectors Quill Vol. 39 No.2 WE ARE ELECTRONIC atwww.gpoc.com 2

President

Ben Higley

[email protected]

Vice President

Wayne Wittkopp

vicepresident@gpoc.

com

Secretary

Stacey Smith

[email protected]

Treasurer

Bill Smith

[email protected]

Webmaster

[email protected]

Editor

Lin Smith

[email protected]

Membership

[email protected]

Claims

[email protected]

Trustees

One Year

Diane Anderson

Two Year

Jim Blakenship

Three Year

Dick Margeson

GPOCcontacts

Gold Prospectors of ColoradoP.O. Box 1593

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901

The Prospectors Quill is the official newsletter ofthe Gold Prospectors of Colorado. The opinionsare those of the authors and do not necessarilyreflect those of the club or its members. Theeditor, club, officers, and contributors do notassume any liability for damages resulting from

use of information in the Prospectors Quill.Articles of interest are welcomed. All articlessubmitted for publication are subject to editing.

Submission of articles must be received beforethe 20th of the month. Unless noted, non-profitsmay reprint or quote from articles, providedcredit is given to the authors and publication

and a copy of the newsletter the article appearsin is sent to the editor of The Prospectors Quill atPO Box 1593, CS CO 80913. All pictures are theproperty of the photographer and are not to becopied or reproduced.

The information is provided solely for the readersg e n e r a l k n o w l e d g e . GPO C ass umes noresponsibility for its completeness or accuracy.

Although care has been taken to produce the

information in the Quill, information is provided

without warranty of any kind, either express or

implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of

the information. I want to thank you in advance forpointing out my mistakes! However, it is YOUR

responsibility to research resources and make sure

that you are in compliance with all laws and

regulations, as well as following the GPOC CODE of

ETHICS.

The GPOC is a 501(c) charitable organization

www.gpoc.com

Prospectors Quill

EditorLin Smith

[email protected]

Library Book Sale Colorado School of Mines February 20-24

Arthur Lakes Library will hold its annual BookSale February 20-24, 2012. Hours are 9 amto 4 PM each day. Sale items includetechnical and nontechnical books, maps,reports, and government publications. Day 1prices are $10 for hardcovers, $5 forsoftcovers, $2 for maps. Prices are reduced

each day for remaining inventory. Selectitems may be priced individually. The ArthurLakes Library is locatedat 1400 Illinois St.,Golden, CO 80401. The main entrance is onIllinois St.

The Mines community and the general publicare welcome at the Book Sale. Forms ofpayment : cash, instate check, andNEW FOR 2012: Visa, MasterCard,Discover, American Express.

An onsite sealed-bid Silent Auction for more rare, collectible, and expensiveitems willbe held on Monday, Feb 20, from 10 am to 12 noon.2012 Bid List.

Please review the Parking information on theLocation and Directions page.http://library.mines.edu/library.mines.edu/Location_and_Directions Parkingrules on campus and in surrounding residential areas are enforced!

The Mining History Archive will have Open House hours during the sale:! Feb 21: 10-Noon, and 1-2, Feb 22:1-3, Feb 23: 10-Noon

Information for Tax-Exempt Buyers http://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Tax

Sale Admittance Information http://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admit

FYI:Most of the items at the Book Sale are the result of donations. Donateditems are evaluated against the needs of the collection; surplus and duplicateitems go to the Book Sale. Proceeds support the Library and its staff.

If you want to email a Board member PLEASE put in your

topic in the subject line. If you send an email without a

subject it will probably be considered spam and be deleted.

For most inquires, if you submit them to the Quill Editor I

will try to answer your questions or give them to the

appropriate person. I am always online doing research and

publish most of the club materials. I will usually have ananswer for you or know where to find the answer. Lin

[email protected]
http://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/library.mines.edu/Location_and_Directionshttp://library.mines.edu/library.mines.edu/Location_and_Directionshttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/library.mines.edu/Location_and_Directionshttp://library.mines.edu/library.mines.edu/Location_and_Directionshttp://library.mines.edu/UserFiles/File/library/PDF/Archive/Bidbooks2012.pdfhttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Admithttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/LB_Bk_Taxhttp://library.mines.edu/library.mines.edu/Location_and_Directionshttp://library.mines.edu/library.mines.edu/Location_and_Directionshttp://library.mines.edu/library.mines.edu/Location_and_Directionshttp://library.mines.edu/library.mines.edu/Location_and_Directionshttp://library.mines.edu/UserFiles/File/library/PDF/Archive/Bidbooks2012.pdfhttp://library.mines.edu/UserFiles/File/library/PDF/Archive/Bidbooks2012.pdfmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/


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February

meetings meetings events events

a en ar

For further information

contact:

www.gpoc.com

2nd

Board Meeting

7:00 PM

[email protected]

25th

Claims Committee

WMSI225 Northgate Blvd.Colorado Springs,CO

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

DateSubject to change

1st-5th

International Snow

S c u l p t u r e

Championships

Breckenridge, CO

http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=1107

18th-19th

GPAA Gold &

Treasure Show

Albuquerque, NM

http://exponm.com/event-details/?event_id=81

8th

General MembershipMeeting

7:00 PM

3400 N.Nevada

CS, CO

24th-25th-26th

DGMG JewelryGem & Mineral Show

Jefferson CountyFair Grounds, CO

See info below

NOVA on Rocky Mountain PBS - February 1, 2012, 8PM

Channel 6,8 - KTSC in Colorado Springs"Ice Age Death Trap," a one-hour NOVA-National Geographicprogram about the fossil find. The television special followsscientists as they race against time to uncover this unique sitepacked with astonishingly well-preserved bones of mammoths,mastodons, and other giant extinct beasts, opening a vividwindow into the vanished world of the Ice Age. They unearthevidence that entire families of mastodons died as they grazedbeside an ancient lake. Patiently, clue by clue, the teamreconstructs a macabre scenario in which the soil beside the lakeliquefies, then hardens, swiftly trapping entire mastodon families.Unable to move, the mighty tusked beasts slowly starve to death.

Featuring ingenious scientific work and spectacular fossils, "IceAge Death Trap" reveals intimate secrets of the life and death ofNorth America's most exotic and extreme creatures.

99th Annual Winter Carnival February 8th-12th

Embrace Steamboats Western heritage and winter sportstradition with downtown street events including skijouring, aparade and the famous Lighted Man at the Night ShowExtravaganza. This event celebrates the Olympic and Westernheritage that sets Steamboat apart from other mountain resorts.h t t p : / / w w w . c o l o r a d o . c o m / c o l o r a d o - l i v e - e v e n t / ?eid=56986&cid=1239750

Colorado Springs REI Avalanche Awareness February 9t

1376 E. Woodman, CS, CO 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

http://www.rei.com/class/34771/session/43587

Join the professionals as they teach you how to recognize andavoid avalanche conditions. Free

Bighorn Sheep Festival February 11th 10AM-3PMGarden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center1805 North 30th Street Colorado Springs, CO

DGMG Jewelry Gem & Mineral Show February 24-25-26

Jefferson County Fairgrounds

15200 W 6th Ave. Golden, CO

Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Little Creatures of Snowmass February 28t

7PM-8:30PM

Richard Stucky, curator of paleoecology and evolution, wintroduce you to the lesser-known characters of ThSnowmastodon Project-like chipmunks, voles, salamanders, anshrews. What you will learn may surprise you, and will just go show how resilient the little guys can be.Denver Museum of Nature and Science - Ricketson Auditorium$8 member, $10 nonmember call 303-370-6000

28th

Little Creatures ofSnowmass

Denver Museum ofNature and Science -Ricketson Auditorium

7:00 PM-8:30 PM

See info below

1st

Ice Age DeathTrap

Snowmass

PBS

See info below

Gold Hill Police Station

955 Moreno Avenue

CS, CO

Denver Zoo for FREEon the following dates:Sunday, February 5Monday, February 6Thursday, February16http://www.denverzoo.org/visitors/index.asp

Denver Museum of

Nature and Science

FREE DAY February27th 2001 ColoradoBlvd. Denver, CO
http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.gpoc.com/http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.dmns.org/learn/adults/after-hours/the-little-creatures-of-snowmasshttp://www.co.jefferson.co.us/fair/http://denvergem.org/Shows.htmlhttp://www.gardenofgods.com/yourvisit/special_events/index_293.cfmhttp://www.gardenofgods.com/yourvisit/special_events/index_293.cfmhttp://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.denverzoo.org/visitors/index.asphttp://www.denverzoo.org/visitors/index.asphttp://www.denverzoo.org/visitors/index.asphttp://www.denverzoo.org/visitors/index.asphttp://www.denverzoo.org/visitors/index.asphttp://www.denverzoo.org/visitors/index.asphttp://www.dmns.org/learn/adults/after-hours/the-little-creatures-of-snowmasshttp://www.dmns.org/learn/adults/after-hours/the-little-creatures-of-snowmasshttp://www.co.jefferson.co.us/fair/http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/fair/http://denvergem.org/Shows.htmlhttp://denvergem.org/Shows.htmlhttp://www.gardenofgods.com/yourvisit/special_events/index_293.cfmhttp://www.gardenofgods.com/yourvisit/special_events/index_293.cfmhttp://www.rei.com/class/34771/session/43587http://www.rei.com/class/34771/session/43587http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.colorado.com/colorado-live-event/?eid=56986&cid=1239750http://www.rmpbs.org/http://www.rmpbs.org/http://exponm.com/event-details/?event_id=81http://exponm.com/event-details/?event_id=81http://exponm.com/event-details/?event_id=81http://exponm.com/event-details/?event_id=81http://exponm.com/event-details/?event_id=81http://exponm.com/event-details/?event_id=81http://exponm.com/event-details/?event_id=81http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=1107http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=1107http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=1107http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=1107http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=1107http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=1107http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=1107http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=1107http://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/


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In this newsletter, GPOC provides links and references to other websites. GPOC has no control over information at such siteshyperlinked or referred to. These links and references are being provided for the convenience of the readers, and GPOC doesnot endorse and is not responsible or liable for the content, nature, or reliability of any linked or referenced website or any link

contained in a linked or referenced website. GPOC takes no responsibility for monitoring, updating, supplementing, orcorrecting any information on any linked or referenced website and makes no representation or warranties regarding such

information.

Canadian Miner Greywolf

Eric Greywolf is a talented gold miner whoexplains in detail information on gold mining.

Not only can you view 30 of his videos onYouTube but he has started a new online website/

forum called The Gold Prospectors Forum.

Greywolf is knowledgable about gold mining and will give youcomprehensive and good information through numerous videos onYouTube. as he works his own claims in the historic Cariboo GoldDistrict in Canada. Greywolf has a new video titled, "Cariboo BushcraftTips for City Slickers" ). Just remember that Greywolf is working in B.C.and regulations in the United States are different.

NewFo

rum

Bering Sea Gold February

From the creators of the Emmy-winningDEADLIEST CATCH comes BERING SEAGOLD, premiering on Discovery Channel.http://dsc.discovery.com/show-news/

discovery-channel-announces-premiere-of-bering-sea-gold.html

Clearly if youre fan of Deadliest Catch orGold Rush, this is right up your alley:Introducing Bering Sea Gold, an eight-partseries that follows a set of eccentriccharacters who take to the frigid openwater in custom-built (and, often, barelyseaworthy) rigs to dive for gold.

Feb. 3 10 PM E/P Episode 2Feb. 10 10 PM E/P Episode 3Feb. 17 10 PM E/P Episode 4

Feb. 24 10 PM E/P Episode 5

Injuries, mechanical failures, fighting andnear death experiences should keep youriveted.

ONCE UPON A SNOWDOWN February 1st-5thDurango, Colorado http://www.snowdown.org/

The original cabin fever reliever! Costumes, and games for 5 days offun and hilarity! Hunt for the silver bullet and win prizes!

Salomon Friso Gold Rush February 4th-5thhttp://www.townoffrisco.com/events/frisco-gold-rush/

The Town of Frisco will celebrate Gold Rush weekend with eventsfor the entire family, including historic lectures, museum movienight, a 5K moonlight snowshoe race, a huge bonfire, fireworks,

and Nordic races.

State Muzzle Loading Association February 18-19Holiday Inn Denver East-Stapleton, 3333 Quebec St.

http://csmla.org/

High Plains Snow Goose Festival February 23 - 26http://www.highplainssnowgoose.com/schedule.html

Several tours including Camp Amache, Sand Creek, Picture Canyon andCarrizo Canyon in the Comanche National Grasslands, and PuebloRaptor Center. Learn about wild turkeys, birds of prey, falcons , etc. Fora printable schedule click here

As of February 2, 2011, there are estimated 35-45 thousand "light

geese," 7-9 thousand "dark geese" and a large assortment of ducks inthe 4 counties along the lower Arkansas River; primarily at John MartinReservoir, Mid Western Farms and Valco ponds. There are also about10-15 Bald Eagles hanging out on the ice at John Martin Reservoir

The Unsinkable Molly Brown: Denvers Heroine of the TitanicExhibit Open February 15 December 31, 2012

http://www.mollybrown.org/

100 hundred years ago the fateful sinking of the famous luxury linerTitanic propelled Margaret Molly Brown to international fame. Join theMolly Brown House Museum in commemorating this importantanniversary as we explore Mrs. Browns role in the events surroundingthis tragedy as well as Titanics lasting legacy on maritime history.

Denver Story Trek, an interactive, self-guided exploration throughDenver. Customize your trek through Denver's past and learn about thecity's historic landscapes andlandmarks.

FutureColor

adoEvents
http://www.gpoc.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Vtu4FK9FY&feature=youtube_gdata_playerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Vtu4FK9FY&feature=youtube_gdata_playerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Vtu4FK9FY&feature=youtube_gdata_playerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Vtu4FK9FY&feature=youtube_gdata_playerhttp://www.mollybrown.org/http://www.denverstorytrek.org/http://www.denverstorytrek.org/http://www.mollybrown.org/http://www.mollybrown.org/http://www.highplainssnowgoose.com/2012_SGF_Schedule_3.pdfhttp://www.highplainssnowgoose.com/2012_SGF_Schedule_3.pdfhttp://www.highplainssnowgoose.com/2012_SGF_Schedule_3.pdfhttp://www.highplainssnowgoose.com/2012_SGF_Schedule_3.pdfhttp://www.highplainssnowgoose.com/schedule.htmlhttp://www.highplainssnowgoose.com/schedule.htmlhttp://www.highplainssnowgoose.com/schedule.htmlhttp://www.highplainssnowgoose.com/schedule.htmlhttp://csmla.org/http://csmla.org/http://www.townoffrisco.com/events/frisco-gold-rush/http://www.townoffrisco.com/events/frisco-gold-rush/http://www.snowdown.org/http://www.snowdown.org/http://dsc.discovery.com/show-news/discovery-channel-announces-premiere-of-bering-sea-gold.htmlhttp://dsc.discovery.com/show-news/discovery-channel-announces-premiere-of-bering-sea-gold.htmlhttp://dsc.discovery.com/show-news/discovery-channel-announces-premiere-of-bering-sea-gold.htmlhttp://dsc.discovery.com/show-news/discovery-channel-announces-premiere-of-bering-sea-gold.htmlhttp://dsc.discovery.com/show-news/discovery-channel-announces-premiere-of-bering-sea-gold.htmlhttp://dsc.discovery.com/show-news/discovery-channel-announces-premiere-of-bering-sea-gold.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Vtu4FK9FY&feature=youtube_gdata_playerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Vtu4FK9FY&feature=youtube_gdata_playerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Vtu4FK9FY&feature=youtube_gdata_playerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Vtu4FK9FY&feature=youtube_gdata_playerhttp://thegoldprospectorsforum.ca/simplemachinesforum/index.phphttp://thegoldprospectorsforum.ca/simplemachinesforum/index.phphttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://college.earthscienceeducation.net/MINPET/MINID.pdfhttp://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/


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General Membership Meeting MinutesGPOC January 2012

I. ! Call to Order 7:05 PMII. ! Pledge of AllegianceIII. ! Approval of Past Meeting Minutes! A. There were no minutes due to the Christmas Party last month.IV. ! Announcement of the Price of Gold and New Members! A. There were 10 new members/visitors.

a. Everyone is invited to Lets Go Gold Panning Days May 12th-13th

b. The President explained the demonstrations that GPOC does throughout the state.

This includes: providing troughs for the public to receive free gold panning lessons. The public is allowed to keepanything that they find including gold, copper, sharks teeth and gems. NO MEMBER is allowed to keep anythingfound in the troughs, according to GPOC rules. This allows for many volunteering opportunities within GPOCincluding: teaching the public how to pan, volunteering in the GPOC Outfitters store, helping GPOC find new claimsfor its membership and getting involved with the Colorado State Gold Panning Championships.

! B. Has anyone been prospecting in the past month?a. Four people raised their hands.b. One person got a prospecting kit for Christmas and the cat ate half the gold! Another prospected near Helen Hun

Falls. Another member prospected in their garage with Felixs pay dirt.V.! Officers Reports! A. Treasurers Report

a. Presentation of the 2011 End of the Year Report.b. If a member would like to see the financial records please mail a written request to the GPOC PO Box addressed

attention Treasure.

c. The Treasurers Report was approved unanimously.! B. Door Prizes

a. The GPOC Board has decided to pursue a Raffle license.b. Four GPOC Board members attended a Games Manager training and have obtained a Raffle Games Manager

certification.c. Drawings will not be held until GPOC has received their raffle license.d. GPOC will be giving FREE vials of gold away in drawings during the General Membership meetings. Each member wil

receive ONE chance to win per meeting.VI.! Old Business

A. Cache Creek Discussion

a. This is a club matter and we need to talk about it as a club.b. Establish a committee to plan and get things going before the season starts.c. Have the people who have been Camp Hosts in the past, contribute ideas.d. Treasurer: have discussed having the Claims Committee take over Cache Creek. The Claims Committee meets the

last Sat. of the monthe. GPOC had two board members have a meeting with BLM about Cache Creek

1. GPOC needs things safe and secure for its members2. The GPOC cannot be the sheriffs of Cache Creek3. The BLM will be responsible for enforcement4. The BLM is working on a new Plan of Operations for Cache Creek and would like the GPOC to continue working

with them until they can get things back in order which make take a couple of years.5. If the BLM gets a contract written that is concrete and specific then the GPOC would be willing to help with the

Cache Creek Camp Host program.6. The GPOC will meet with the BLM in February or March. GPOC will participate if there is a new agreement.7. Ken: Are there any other organizations that would be willing to help out at Cache Creek. President: They are not

f. The President and Treasurer explained the bonds for reclamation.g. Secretary: Explained the history of Cache Creek and why we got involved with it.h. President: the BLM has stated that if the GPOC does not help they would have to shut down Cache Creek. As long

as GPOC members are safe the GPOC will continue the Camp Host program at Cache Creek.f. Questions about what is required of a Camp Host

1. Provide greeter service 6 hours/day2. Advise visitors on BLM guidelines and ask visitors to sign-in3. Conduct survey to look for unsafe conditions and report them to BLM4. Report unruly visitors to BLM5. BLM will provide training before the season starts6. Camp Hosts can prospect after their 6-hour shift, but motorized permits will be required.7. Camp Host days won't count toward your 14-day annual limit.

VII.! Don Bray and Joe Johnson donated items to the club for the drawing. GPOC gave away 25 vials of gold.VIII. ! BreakIX. ! The Presentation of a video: A History of Cripple Creek and Victor; Greatest Mining Camp in the World.X.! Meeting adjourn 9:33 PM


6/15


Batteries for Your MetalDetector or Anything!

Power source: most detectors useAA batteries and some also haverechargeable battery packs. If thedetector uses only rechargeablebatteries, you may want to get an

extra set for when they go deadright in the middle of a hunt.It is also possible to get bad

batteries right out of the package.

Most high quality alkaline batteries

have an expiration date on the

package and it makes sense to

check it out before buying them. If

they don't have two or three years

left of shelf life ... don't buy them.

Heat will accelerate the

deterioration of a battery. Store

batteries in a cool, benign

environment to maximize their shelflife. Lithium-ion batteries can

rupture, ignite, or explode when

exposed to high temperature.

A refrigerator, with a temperature

range from 0C to 10C [32F to

50F], is a good place for storing

batteries.

During the summer months, theglove compartment of a rig is anunsuitable place to keep batteries.Enclosed, your rig can hit hightemperatures deterioratingbatteries.

Alkaline or lithium disposable

batteries have the best shelf life.

Notes from the Claims Committee Meeting on Saturday, Jan 28th 2012

Cache Creek Meeting with the BLM: We are planning a meeting with the BLM RoyaGorge office to finalize a new contract for the Camp Host Program. In preparation fothat meeting, we developed a list of agenda items that include: defining specific hosrequirements, the need for fire danger signs, a list of regulations that apply to the areaconfirmation of opening date, and Camp Host training.

At the Feb 25th Claims Committee meeting, we will go through all our old documentationand prepare a handbook for the 2012 Camp Hosts. A combination of BLM-providedtraining and a clearer Handbook should go a long way to improving the program.

Leadville Claim Exploration: On the weekend of May 19th 20th, the ClaimsCommittee is planning an outing to the Leadville Claim to do some in-depth investigatioto determine feasibility of recreational prospecting on the property. We hope to identifytwo or three promising locations and dig down to glacial gravel for sampling. When wefind good prospects, we will let the membership know!

Cash Creek Camp HostNOTICE: In anticipation of continuing the Cache Creek Camp Host program, we aresoliciting volunteers to serve as Camp Hosts. If you can commit one to two weeks obeing willing to be an substitute to this project, please email your name and contacinformation to the GPOC Secretary [email protected].

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement

(PEIS)

The Forest Service has announced its Final ProgrammaticEnvironmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for land managemenplanning on the National Forest System.

There will be many ways for you to stay engaged in the planning process aftepublication of a final rule. Information on next steps and how to stay involved iavailable on theCollaboration and Public Involvement webpage.

Click here to read the preferred alternative.

Video Message: 2012 Preferred Alternative for National Forest System LandManagement Planning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdE

Headphones

Headphones are usually heavily

p a d d e d b u t c a n b e c o m e

uncomfortable after prolonged use.

To allow your ears to "breathe,"attach homemade sponge-rubber

or bubble-plastic shims (about inch

long by half an inch wide) to the

padding. They are thick enough to

allow air to enter and to relieve the

pressure on your ears, yet thin

enough to not reduce the signal

level. A dab of rubber-cement holds

them in place, yet allows ready

removal without leaving a sticky

residue.

ClaimsCommitte

e
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.fs.usda.gov/main/planningrule/collaborationhttp://www.fs.usda.gov/main/planningrule/collaborationhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyZQMCnjdEhttp://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5349156.pdfhttp://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5349156.pdfhttp://www.fs.usda.gov/main/planningrule/collaborationhttp://www.fs.usda.gov/main/planningrule/collaborationmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


7/15


ResearchingMapsOnline

Clean That Coil CoverY o u should always use a coil cover

t o p r o t e c t y o u rexpensive detectorcoil from damage.Should your detectore v e r b e c o m e

unstable, giving falsesignals, etc., suspect the

coil cover. Carefully remove the coverfrom the coil and clean both the coverand the coil itself. Even though coilcovers provide a tight fit, over timemineralized dust can accumulate insidethe coil cover and result in false signals.Make this simple procedure a part of yournormal annual maintenance.

When you use map sites they may not reflect all claims. The data may nobe complete and you need to check with the BLM in Denver in order to

make sure the information you obtain is accurate. If you read thedisclaimer on Geocommunicator even they concur that data may not beaccurate or complete. Geocommunicator disclaimer: http:/www.geocommunicator.gov/GeoComm/GC_disclaimer.html

Gold Maps Online

http://www.goldmapsonline.com/index.htmlWe took a U.S. Bureau of Land Management database of active andabandoned gold mining claims and converted the data so it could be seenas a gold map in Google Earth. The result is an incredibly accurate neareal-time view of America's active gold deposits and a must-have planningand exploration tool for any gold panning adventure. Not free.

Mine Resource Data System

http://mrdata.usgs.gov/mineral-resources/mrds-us.htmlMRDS describes metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources throughouthe world. Included are deposit name, location, commodity, deposidescription, geologic characteristics, production, reserves, resources, andreferences. It includes the original MRDS and MAS/MILS data.

MineCache & Google Earth for Mapping Gold Prospecting Locations

http://www.minecache.com/MineCache is a Google Earth add-on that lets you visually map locationswhere gold has been found in the United States. MineCache is easier touse than Geocommunicator for mapping BLM mineral mining claim data inGoogle Earth. Use MineCache as an online gold map tool to help younarrow down your gold prospecting locations or to help you find existinggold mine locations.

General Land Office

They provide live access to Federal landconveyance records for the Public Land Statesincluding image access to more than five millionFederal land title records issued between 1820and the present. They also have images related tosurvey plats and field notes, dating back to 1810Due to organization of documents in the GLOcollection, this site does not currently containevery Federal title record issued for the PublicLand States. http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/

MetalDetectors

Grand Canyon Acres Off Limits to Miners

On January 9th,the U.S. Department of the Interiorplaced a 20-year moratorium on new uranium

mining claims in and aroundt h e G r a n d C a n y o n .Environmentalists say theban is crucial to protectingthe region.

"The secretary's decision torule out mining on morethan 1 million acres offederal land deprives theUnited States of energy andminerals critically importantto its economy and does sowithout compelling scientific

evidence that is necessaryfor such a far-reaching

measure," said Hal Quinn,president and CEO of the National Mining

Association. Around 3,000 existing claims will notbe affected.

In November, Federal regulators approved a $50million installation of anchored fabric over theArkansas River by the artist Christo. I find it ironicthat a plan to go ahead with a temporary artproject along the Arkansas River in Colorado hasnot had the same considerations. Significantdigging to install supports for this project are

planned. The project even boasts that it will attracttourists during the construction phase. This areacontains a narrow winding two-lane road andparking is almost impossible. We have enjoyedviewing the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep alongthis stretch of road and I wonder how many sheepwill become victims of this project. Over the River,will include eight suspended panel segmentstotaling 5.9 miles right thru GPOC claims. GPOC isresponsible for reclamation work on their claims. Iwonder if this project will reclaim the damage theywill be doing to our claims and the environment?

Lin
http://www.minecache.com/http://www.goldmapsonline.com/index.htmlhttp://www.geocommunicator.gov/GeoComm/GC_disclaimer.htmlhttp://www.glorecords.blm.gov/http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/http://www.minecache.com/http://www.minecache.com/http://mrdata.usgs.gov/mineral-resources/mrds-us.htmlhttp://mrdata.usgs.gov/mineral-resources/mrds-us.htmlhttp://www.goldmapsonline.com/index.htmlhttp://www.goldmapsonline.com/index.htmlhttp://www.geocommunicator.gov/GeoComm/GC_disclaimer.htmlhttp://www.geocommunicator.gov/GeoComm/GC_disclaimer.htmlhttp://www.geocommunicator.gov/GeoComm/GC_disclaimer.htmlhttp://www.geocommunicator.gov/GeoComm/GC_disclaimer.htmlhttp://www.gpoc.com/


8/15


PROSPECTiNG THE INTERNET

In Roughing It, Mark Twain wrote:

The sagacious reader will knownow, without being told, that thespeculative miner, in getting a 'fireassay made of a piece of rock fromhis mine (to help him sell the same),was not in the habit of picking outthe least valuable fragment of rockon his dump pile, but quite thecontrary. I have seen men hunt overa pile of nearby worthless quartz foran hour, and at last find a little pieceas large as a filbert, which was richin gold and silver-and this wasreserved for a fire assay! Of coursethe fire assay would demonstratethat a ton of such rock would yieldhundreds of dollars-and on suchassays many an utterly worthlessmine was sold.

Buyer beware! Today, there are

many scams out there willingto sell you a worthless claim.Do Your research!

Below is a link to a 64 page document aboutplacer mining from around the 1880s. It hasinformation on the placer gold mines operatingat the time in twelve states and the DakotaTerritory. If there was a paying gold mine in agiven area in 1880 thats a great area for youto prospect today.The document also points out where goldminers might come across diamonds, rubies,and other precious minerals.

Heres theLINK.

http://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/

category/colorado-mining/

How to Mine and Prospect for Placer Goldby J.M.West. This Bureau of Mines publication,Information Circular 8517, was released in 1971. Itcontains some good information and defines goldsizes in terms of mesh size. (Note typo for mesh

size, should be openings per linear inch not squareinch.) http:/ /www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htm

Gold Placers (PDF file), an EPA TechnicalResource Document, discusses desert placers inSection 1.3 Physical Characterization of PlacerDeposits. This covers essentially the sameinformation as found in Wells, J.H. 1973 - PlacerExamination, Principles and Practice, TechnicalBulletin 4, U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureauof Land Management, Part II, Types of Placers.
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/mining/techdocs/placer.pdfhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/category/colorado-mining/http://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/category/colorado-mining/http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/mining/techdocs/placer.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/mining/techdocs/placer.pdfhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/mining/techdocs/placer.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/mining/techdocs/placer.pdfhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.icmj2.com/BegCorner/USGSHowToMineForGold.htmhttp://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/category/colorado-mining/http://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/category/colorado-mining/http://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/category/colorado-mining/http://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/category/colorado-mining/http://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/1880-report-on-placer-mining.pdfhttp://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/1880-report-on-placer-mining.pdfhttp://www.loc.gov/index.htmlhttp://www.loc.gov/index.htmlhttp://menotomymaps.com/Colorado_pan.asphttp://menotomymaps.com/Colorado_pan.asphttp://blog.survivalcampingworld.com/http://blog.survivalcampingworld.com/http://www.msha.gov/training/museum/museum.htmhttp://www.msha.gov/training/museum/museum.htmhttp://www.nbmg.unr.edu/Mining/MineFraud.htmlhttp://www.nbmg.unr.edu/Mining/MineFraud.htmlhttp://mines.az.gov/Info/scams.htmlhttp://mines.az.gov/Info/scams.htmlhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://minerals.state.nv.us/min_fraudami.htmhttp://www.nbmg.unr.edu/dox/sp22.pdfhttp://www.nbmg.unr.edu/dox/sp22.pdfhttp://www.nbmg.unr.edu/dox/sp22.pdfhttp://www.nbmg.unr.edu/dox/sp22.pdfhttp://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Arizona-Gold-Mining-Scams.pdfhttp://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Arizona-Gold-Mining-Scams.pdfhttp://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Arizona-Gold-Mining-Scams.pdfhttp://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Arizona-Gold-Mining-Scams.pdfhttp://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Arizona-Gold-Mining-Scams.pdfhttp://www.gold-prospecting-equipment.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Arizona-Gold-Mining-Scams.pdfhttp://www.lib.utexas.edu/geo/onlineguides.htmlhttp://www.lib.utexas.edu/geo/onlineguides.htmlhttp://www.allaboutmining.org/Register.htmhttp://www.allaboutmining.org/Register.htmhttp://www.allaboutmining.org/http://www.allaboutmining.org/http://www.mineralsmakelife.org/http://www.mineralsmakelife.org/http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/http://www.gpoc.com/http://www.gpoc.com/


9/15


Mining Google Earth

The latest version ofG o o g l e E a r t h i saccessible enough forcasual users. Google

has added features that make it an indispensabletool for mining research.

Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps, and thepower of Google Search to put the world's geographic

information at your fingertips. You will be able to get drivingirections, tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings,ave and share your searches and favorites and even add your ownnnotations. Using Google Earth with a few simple adjustments orownloadable add-ons, you should be able to find a treasure-trovef hidden gold deposits for free! The newest version of Google Earthas an option that shows historical imagery. Some areas will display

nformation as far back as 20 years. You may be able to noticehanges in the bed of a creek allowing you to identify bencheposits high above current creek beds. By adjusting Google

Earths Historical Imagery bar you may be able to see what hashanged in the area you wish to prospect in.

The only downside to the program is that it can consume a largemount of RAM, so older machines might experience performance

ssues, but even that can now be configured through the Optionsmenu.

One of the add-ons will give you the accurate GPS coordinates ofldgold mines.All of the following tools/resources are usually freend assist you in locating gold occurrences!

Tools

MineCache.s a resource which can aid you in locating old gold mines, goldrospects, and confirmed gold occurrences.

MinceCache simply adds gold mine symbols to areas on the mapwhere past or present gold mines are. (Minddat also providesnformation on historical mine sites.)You can click on the gold mine

con and it will display the following information on the mine:

Operation Type, Development Status, Primary commodities,Comments from other MineCache users (or post your own)

You can also view more mine details including:Site Name, State, County, Latitude (GPS Coordinates),Longitude (GPS Coordinates) Year Discovered, Years inProduction, Operation Type, Deposit Type, Production Size,Development Status, Primary Commodities, SecondaryCommodities, Other Commodities

Visit www.MineCache.com and register your free account so youan download the tool. A tutorial for accessing the tool with Google

Earth is located on the MineCache web page or you can simply clickere.

E-Maps

After locating a gold-bearing area with MineCache, the nextesource is E-maps Plus (http://emaps.emapsplus.com ormapsplus.com). Currently only 6 states and not Colorado areepresented.

This is another free tool that can aide you in finding the contactnformation for the landowner of the gold-bearing area you want torospect. Seeking permission from current landowners will preventou from incurring problems with trespassing or claim jumping.

1. When you access the e-maps website, you will see a of the United States with some states highlighted. Tare the states you can view landowner information on.

2. Click on a state to access a county map of that state.available counties will be highlighted.

3. Zoom in to the area you wish to find out about the owinformation. If you zoom in enough on the new version maps, you will see the owner's name. Click the searchin the top-right navigation bar and input the owner's nto find the information you need.

Optional Add-Ons

Geologic Maps of the United StatesThis will show you the different types of rock formations ingiven area produced by the USGS in 1974.

Topographical MapsThese can be useful to view the elevation of the areas yougoing to prospect. Altitude is always a consideration in Coloas most gold occurrences are located at higher altitudes. GoEarth uses elevation at the point of the mouse whereverscroll, but a topographic map is a little easier to use inmanner.

Historic Topos

Currently, this collection has over 2,000 historic USGSTopographic maps covering several areas of the United StaThe maps are available in various scales and date back asearly as the 1800s in many areas.

PLSS (Public Land Survey System) and USGS QuadrangleThe principal component of QUADS is a Google Earth netlink that plots approximate USGS quadrangle boundariesprovides direct access to more than 118,000 GeoPDF mincluding scans of the last historical paper map at all avaiscales.

PLSGEIf you've ever needed to know the section, township, and ranwhich a certain geographical feature is located, you can nowthis information as an overlay in Google Earth thanks toPLSGE plug-in described on this page.

Township and Range BoundariesFor many US States.

Mineral Resources Data SystemThe Mineral Resources Data System was compiled by the Uand describes metallic and nonmetallic mineral resouthroughout the world. Included are deposit name, locacommodity, deposit description, geologic characterisproduction, reserves, resources, and references for each loca

Megalithic PortalA collection showing the locations of over 15,000 prehistoricand other ancient sites in Google Earth.

Google maps with GPS TrackerGolenfound's Google Maps with GPS Tracker is a small,application that uploads your GPS position regularly via Gor 3G and then automatically updates your position on a GoMap display.

GPS Map ViewerAllows you to display Waypoints, Routes, or Tracks loaded many file formats in an interactive map. Use it to see wyou've been, plan where you're going, or visualize geogradata. In addition GPS Map Viewer can print or export your min JPEG format.
http://emapsplus.com/http://emapsplus.com/http://www.emapsplus.com/http://emaps.emapsplus.com/http://www.emapsplus.com/http://emaps.emapsplus.com/http://www.minecache.com/tutorial/0/http://www.minecache.com/http://www.minecache.com/http://www.megalithic.co.uk/http://www.gelib.com/world-mineral-resources.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/township-range.htmhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/plss/plss.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/plss/plss.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/plss/plss.htmlhttp://store.usgs.gov/locator/about_digital_maps.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/quads/quads.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/quads/quads.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/quads/quads.htmlhttp://www.gelib.com/historic-topographic-maps.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/geologic-map-united-states.htmhttp://download.cnet.com/GPS-Map-Viewer/3000-12940_4-10867827.html?tag=dropDownForm;productListinghttp://download.cnet.com/GPS-Map-Viewer/3000-12940_4-10867827.html?tag=dropDownForm;productListinghttp://download.cnet.com/Google-Maps-with-GPS-Tracker/3000-12940_4-10494227.html?tag=pophttp://download.cnet.com/Google-Maps-with-GPS-Tracker/3000-12940_4-10494227.html?tag=pophttp://download.cnet.com/Google-Maps-with-GPS-Tracker/3000-12940_4-10494227.html?tag=pophttp://download.cnet.com/Google-Maps-with-GPS-Tracker/3000-12940_4-10494227.html?tag=pophttp://www.megalithic.co.uk/http://www.megalithic.co.uk/http://www.gelib.com/world-mineral-resources.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/world-mineral-resources.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/township-range.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/township-range.htmhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/plss/plss.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/plss/plss.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/plss/plss.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/plss/plss.htmlhttp://livepage.apple.com/http://livepage.apple.com/http://store.usgs.gov/locator/about_digital_maps.htmlhttp://store.usgs.gov/locator/about_digital_maps.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/quads/quads.htmlhttp://www.metzgerwillard.us/quads/quads.htmlhttp://www.gelib.com/historic-topographic-maps.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/historic-topographic-maps.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/usgs-topographic-maps-2.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/usgs-topographic-maps-2.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/geologic-map-united-states.htmhttp://www.gelib.com/geologic-map-united-states.htmhttp://emapsplus.com/http://emapsplus.com/http://emaps.emapsplus.com/http://emaps.emapsplus.com/http://www.emapsplus.com/http://www.emapsplus.com/http://www.minecache.com/tutorial/0/http://www.minecache.com/tutorial/0/http://www.minecache.com/http://www.minecache.com/http://www.minecache.com/http://www.minecache.com/


10/15


Sluice Box Slick Plates

By Lin Smith

!

There are considerable differences of opinion as to how a sluice box should beconfigured and operated. However, if you research sluice boxes you will find thamost have a slick plate in their design. When constructing a sluice box a slick platecan be an essential component in your construction. Normally, slick plates arelocated at the head of a sluice box where the water flows in, although someconfigurations have slick plates in the main body of the sluice. (Pop and SonSluice) This is where you will first introduce classified material into your sluice boxwhere it begins a stratification process.

Purpose

A slick plate plays a vital role in the classification of the material prior to its introduction into the trapping mechanisms within a sluicebox, which continue the process of stratification. There is a minimal amount of turbulence in the slick plate area, which allows classifiedmaterial to become saturated with water as it begins the stratification process. Lighter material will travel faster because it has lessresistance against the waters volume and velocity. Gold bearing heavy material will settle to the bottom and hang back generatingseparation from the light material. The rate of settling depends on particle density, size and shape: Large, dense, spherical grains settlequickly and small, less dense and flatter particles settle more slowly. Occasionally you can observe gold resisting the flow of the slurryand dragging across the bottom of the slick plate. Sluice boxes with a slick plate often allow for better recovery of fine gold since thereis less likelihood of large clumps of dirt or air bubbles grabbing and caring off the gold.

MaterialThe material you use to build the foundation of your sluice box should be the same material used for the slick plate. Because a sluicebox is portable you need to consider materials, which are light weight. Your sluice will be taking a lot of abuse from the material that wilbe run through it and it also needs to be durable. Aluminum will be lightweight, durable and corrosive or rust resistant. The slick plateis aptly named as it is a slick surface and it is usually recommended that there not be any obstructions in this area. The other segmentsof your sluice will contain gold capturing components such as riffles, miners moss, ribbed-matting and expanded metal.

Design and Size

If you review commercial designs you should be able to gain a general idea of the dimensions. Just remember that if weight is aconsideration you do not want too large a slick plate as you want to reserve more length for the body of the sluice. Try to not have anyobstructions in the slick plate area such as bolts or screws as these will impede the stratification process.

Some researches consider the width to be the best control of water velocity. Increasing the width will decrease the depth and velocity othe water. Wide sluices need to have carefully designed slick plates to insure even distribution of concentrates and slurry over the

whole width of the sluice. If you are in an area where water is scarce the use of a narrower sluice will guarantee that there is adequatevelocity ensuring that the trapping mechanisms (riffles, etc.) stay clear. Other features, such as the angle of a sluice need to bedesigned so that they can be adjusted to guarantee optimum gold recovery.

Gary Weishaupt recommends that an 8-inch wide sluice should have a slick plate that is at least 16 inches long. This will allow foproper stratification of the concentrated materials you add. A ten-inch wide sluice requires a 21-inch wide slick plate and a 12-inch widesluice needs a slick plate that is at least 26 inches long. If you are using a power sluice or dredge you will not need as long a slick platebecause some stratification will occur in the boil box or flare sections. 1 If reviewing the Clarkson studies, keep in mind that it was acommercial sized sluice and the recommendations for a 8 foot sluice followed by two additional 8 foot sections is a lot larger than anindividual will be using.

Flow will accelerate with distance, which will make it more difficult for the trapping mechanisms (riffles, matting, and expanded metal) toretain fine gold particles. Research has shown that the first 1/3rd of a sluice captures 90% of the gold, the second 1/3rd captures 9% othe gold, and if the design of your sluice is good only 1% of the gold will be found in the last 1/3rd of your sluice.

In one study, it was recommended that: placer miners should investigate the effects of having short lengths of smooth, un-riffled sluicebox base in their fine gold recovery sections. An example would be to have 4 of riffles at the feed end of the sluice followed by 2 osmooth base (no matting). By alternating sections of riffles and a smooth base (slick plate) the slurry entering each riffle section wouldbe pre-segregated so that a proportion of the high-density minerals would be flowing along the base of the flow. This might counteracthe tendency of the recovery probability to decrease as distance from the feed end of the sluice increases. 2

______________________________________________________________________________________________

1 Weishaupt, Gary, and Jacobson, Chris, How To Build and Operate Sluice Boxes, Part III, Riffle Testing.

2Poling, G.W. and Hamilton, J.F., Fine Gold Recovery of Selected Sluice Box Configurations, The University of British Columbia.


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The different types of trapping apparatuses used in a sluice will determine the amount of water velocity required. Colorados fine goldrequires a wider sluice at a narrower angle creating a slower water velocity. If you should be in an area containing coarser gold a fastewater velocity is required, which having a narrower sluice at a steeper angle can create. Too slow a water velocity will cause theconcentrates to buildup preventing gold from settling.

As with the bed of the sluice box, the slick plate should be as flat as possible. It is best to avoid any twisting or bowing of the slick platebecause it will interfere with the even distribution of the slurry.

Flare

Flaring the beginning edges of the slick plate area will help to control the velocity and volume of water being introduced into your sluiceIf you are using water that has a slow velocity you will be able to increase the water velocity by 20 to 40%. This increased velocity is

required to create the necessary vortexes behind the riffle bars. The flare also provides a larger area to shovel concentrated materialinto your sluice.

Adaptations

You may find adaptations of slick plates in devices used for the final cleanup of concentrates where spray on chalkboard paint has beenused. In observing a few of these units the fine gold sticks to the paint surface and the black sands are washed off. This is not apractical application for use in the field as it is easily scratched. There is a mat used when cutting fabric that some have beensubstituting for the blackboard paint.

Some prospectors place a piece of black ribbed vinyl matting across the bottom of the sluice boxes slick plate. This will provide anadditional area where fine gold can be captured. Frequently, fine gold will be visible and will give you an indication if the water volumeand velocity or angle of your sluice needs to be adjusted. You may be able to retrieve the fine gold with a sucker bottle but be cautiousand squeeze the sucker bottle before you place it in the water. If you dont you may blow your gold into the slurry stream.

DFS Sluice

The Damn Fine Sluice (DFS) was invented by Phil Hontz of New Mexico in the 1990s. The device was never patented as it had beendiscussed widely on internet forums and is a direct descendant of earlier innovations based on the research on larger sluices in theYukon tests by Owen Poor and Randy Clarkson and more particularly the sluices tested by James Hamilton and George Poling thathad raised expanded metal mesh riffles on unbacked Nomad matting (miners moss).

The DFS is an in-stream sluice, with a flared intake (fixed wings) to help funnel water into the mouth of the sluice and to aid stability.The first section is a long slick plate to encourage laminar flow to guide heavy particles into a section of tiny raised expanded metariffles clamped on heavy duty unbacked Nomad matting. The Damn Fine Sluice consists of a smooth slick plate followed by a sectionof tiny raised expanded metal mesh fitted on matting, all set in a short sluice-box. The unit is about 6.3 feet (1.19m) long and 9.8inches(25cm) wide, and weighs 8 lbs.(3.63) kilos.

The DFS, being an in-stream sluice, lacks a hopper and screen, and has no means of recirculating water. Nor is it designed to catch

gold nuggets. The current causes the pay gravel to spread out across the width of the slick plate to assume laminar (non-turbulent) flowconsisting of a bottom-hugging traction carpet of black sand overlain by a traction carpet of lights (blonds). The traction carpet of blacksand is pulled into the vortices (rollers) of the riffles and the gold burrows into the underlying layer of Nomad matting. The lighter

minerals and surplus black sands are swept out as tailings. 4

Pop and Son Sluice

The Pop and Son sluice is an adaption of the DFS. Steve and Jason Gaber invented the Pop andSon sluice in 2005. The Pop and Son sluice is a development of the innovative Damn Fine Sluice(DFS) made by the Damn Fine Equipment Co in the 1990s. The DFS is a simple cheap deviceconsisting of a smooth slick plate followed by a section of tiny raised expanded metal mesh fittedon matting, all set in a short sluice-box. 5

For a detailed discussion and pictures go to: http://bb.bbboy.net/alaskagoldforum-print?forum=2&thread=694

3 Poling, G.W. and Hamilton, J.F., Fine Gold Recovery of Selected Sluice Box configurations, The University of British Columbia

4 World Placer Journal 2007, Volume 7, pages 66-161.

5World Placer Journal 2007, Volume 7, pages 66-161.
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Conclusion

Further studies need to be conducted using the typical materials most miners use. The Poling study used an atypical sluice with abase made of plywood and a framework of 2 x 4 lumber. The sluice was lined along its base with abrasion resistant rubber (18 Armourbond) and the sides were sheet acrylic. 6 Most suggestions come from the first-hand experience of miners that have used theirsluices with a vast array of variables. What is known is that a slick plate will help with the stratification process. The simplicityreliability and low costs of sluice boxes make them an efficient method for gold recovery.

Tips1. Do not place any V-matting or matting of any kind at the beginning of your slick plate. This could interfere with the

stratification process.2. Pre-screen dry material and then saturate it with water before placing it onto the slick plate.3. The less water volume and velocity there is the more important pre-screening becomes.4. Avoid any oil or rust on the slick plate.5. The slurry needs to be stratified before entering the recovery area.6. Black ribbed vinyl matting at the base of the slick plate will allow for instant recognition of the presence of gold without

needing to clean the sluice.7. Flow velocity is more important than flow volume.8. Narrower is more efficient than wider. By narrowing the sluice with 2x4s you are creating a "higher pressure" area,

and that will increase the waters speed.A narrower sluice will increase the water velocity. Two-by-fours can be cutand clamped onto the sides on the inside for a temporary fix to narrow your sluice. View Pictures.

9. If you are in an area where water is scarce the use of a narrower sluice will ensure that there is adequate flow velocitywhich will ensure that the trapping mechanism stay clear.

10. Miners should design sluices to accommodate the anticipated feed rate by adjusting the width (increasing widthdecreases depth and flow velocity).

11. Lower flow velocities can yield higher recovery (fine gold is recovered in addition to the coarse gold), but if too slowcan lead to clogging of the trapping mechanism.

12. Place your material at the head of the slick plate unit, not the center. This will give the gold optimal time to stratify.13. Try to not bump or jostle your sluice when adding material. This will affect stratification on the slick plate.14. NEVER add more material until the last load has completely cleared the end of the sluice. Most studies find that over-

loading can cause loss of gold.15. Any dents in the surface will affect stratification. Be careful when transporting or storing your sluice. Just don't throw

it into the back of your rig or pile equipment on top of it.16. Avoid turbulent flow, especially when trying to capture fine gold.17. Efficiency of your sluice box will be influenced by how fine you pre-classify your material before placing it on the slick

plate, the type of gold you are prospecting, water volume and velocity, the angle of your sluice, presence of any clayoil or rust and feed rate.

18. For efficient operation, the slurry flow velocity must be adjusted to fit both the range of gold particle sizes in the feed,as well as the trapping mechanism used. Flow should be fast enough to insure that the trapping spaces created bythe riffles or carpet liner are not filled and blocked with gangue (i.e., the carpet must be kept from sanding up), yetslow enough to allow as much fine gold as possible to settle to the bottom where it can be captured.

19. The tops of both the flare & sluice section needs to be the same height. If they are not, you will either lose stratifiedmaterial out the side as it goes from one section to the next or the water flow can be disrupted.

20. Any large gravel or rock will disrupt the stratification process on the slick plate-pre-classify. When placer gravels arenot screened, additional water and steeper sluice box gradients are required to move the boulders and coarse gravelsdown the sluice run. The high water velocity and extreme turbulence created by boulder movement causes goldmigration and loss. Screens also improve washing by breaking up clumps of clay and cemented particlesInadequate washing is a very common cause of gold losses.7

21.When you speed up the water, you need a longer time for the material to be on the slick plate in order for specificgravity to work more appropriately.

22. High flow velocities cause turbulent currents that, if strong enough, can fully re-suspend the stratified material andcarry it all downstream into a tailing pile.

23. If you place a gold ball at the top of the sluice it should flow to the base of the sluice if the water velocity is correct.24. Never add more concentrated material to the slick plate until the last has completely cleared the end of the sluice.25. Adjust the water flow so that the stratified material takes a minimum of 5 Mississippi count to completely clear your

sluice.__________________

6Poling, G.W. and Hamilton, J.F., Fine Gold Recovery of Selected Sluice Box configurations, The University of British Columbia7Clarkson, Randy, The Use of Radio tracers To Evaluate Gold Losses at Klondike Placer Mines, New ERA Engineering Corporation. Prepared forthe Klondike Miners Association, 1990. Page 13.
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Uwe Richard Kackstaetter, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Geology

Campus Box 22 P.O.Box 173362 Denver, CO 80217-3362

Phone: 303-556-3070 Fax: 303-556-4436 E-mail: [email protected]

SPECIAL OFFERFREE MINERAL SPECIMEN IDENTIFICATION

Participants will aid in the education of future Geoscientists!

The Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences Mineral Laboratory at the Metropolitan State College of Denver offers free non-

destructive & certain destructive mineral identification services as part of their geoscientist training program. Samples will be

assigned to students in Mineralogy & Optical Mineralogy during Fall & Spring semesters and analyzed under supervision by the

instructing professor according to the clients specification. Clients will be presented with a full analytical report by the end of the

semester and non-destructive tested specimens will be returned upon request (Please provide SASE or pick-up at the Earth Science

laboratories at MSCD).

SERVICESNON DESTRUCTIVE TESTS

G Basic Mineral Identification (Free): Mineral will be laboratory tested for hardness , density, streak, magnetic & UV-1

response, radiation, possible optical properties & crystal habits and other as applicable and complete report compiled.Note:

While many minerals can be closely approximated with this test, some may NOT unambiguously distinguished without

further testing. Destructive testing on a small sample chip is recommended for clarification. Call for details.

G Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)(For this test we are asking for a $25 tax-deductible donation to the MSCD Earthscience

Foundation for consumables & equipment maintenance): This test is very specific for identifying possible crystal habits in fine

grained or granular specimens. Sample should be no larger than 1". SEM photomicrograph will be provided with report.

DESTRUCTIVE TESTS

G Chemical Qualitative Analysis (Free):A sample fraction will be subjected to destructive qualitative chemical analysis,

aiding in interpretation & identification. Recommended for small sample fraction in conjunction with Basic Mineral

Identification above.

G Precious Metals Chemical Qualitative Analysis (Free):Testing a small sample fraction for the presence of Gold, Silver

and/or Platinum. This is a QUALITATIVE test only and will NOT be indicative of amounts (NO quantitative assay).

G Optical Thin Section Investigation(For this test we are asking for a $15 tax-deductible donation to the MSCD Earthscience Foundation

for consumables & equipment maintenance): Sample will be mounted to a glass slide and ground to the thickness of a human hair

in order to specifically test for optical mineral properties. Best suited for minerals in a rock matrix.

G X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis (For this test we are asking for a $80 tax-deductible donation to the MSCD Earthscience Foundation

for consumables & equipment maintenance): Most precise but unfortunately expensive test for unambiguous mineral

identification. Usually used for professional, industrial & research applications. Mineral will be powdered to a few microns

and subjected to an x-ray beam. Resulting x-ray dispersive pattern is indicative of a specific mineral (almost like a

fingerprint). Computerized database with over 40,000 minerals will be searched for closest match and the mineral will thus

be exactly identified.

To submit samples or for further information contact Dr. Richard Kackstaetter as indicated above.

All samples for identification should be received by first week in September or last week in January.

Hardness testing may be slightly damaging to the specimen. While the test will be performed in an1

inconspicuous part of the sample, scratching may occur. It is best to include an inferior secondary sample of the same

material for analysis.
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14/15


Uwe Richard Kackstaetter, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Geology

Campus Box 22 P.O.Box 173362 Denver, CO 80217-3362

Phone: 303-556-3070 Fax: 303-556-4436 E-mail: [email protected]

MAIL SAMPLES WITH COMPLETED FORM TO:

Metro State College, Dep. Of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences

Minerals Lab; Attn: Dr. Kackstaetter

1201 5 Streetth

Denver, CO 80217

MINERAL IDENTIFICATION REQUEST FORM(Please attach to specimen! Use additional forms for each submitted specimen)

CLIENT INFORMATION (Please Print Clearly):

Last Name: First Name, MI: Date:

Address: City: State, ZIP

Phone: Email:

MINERAL SAMPLE INFORMATION & ANALYTICAL REQUEST (Please Print Clearly):

Short Mineral Description (what does the mineral look like you want identified; especially important for minerals in rock matrix):

Where found (approx. location o.k.):

Requested Laboratory Tests (Check all that apply)Suggestion: For destructive sample testing, please submit additional secondary sample chips of same material

BASIC MINERAL IDENTIFICATION - NON DESTRUCTIVE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY - NON DESTRUCTIVE CHEMICAL QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS - DESTRUCTIVE PRECIOUS METALS CHEMICAL QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS - DESTRUCTIVE OPTICAL THIN SECTION INVESTIGATION - DESTRUCTIVE X-RAY DIFFRACTION ANALYSIS - DESTRUCTIVE

Price(Suggested Donation)

FREE$25.00FREEFREE

$15.00$80.00

Comments: Please Return Sample: SASE included or Will pick up. Discard sample after analysis: Just mail report or Will pick up report

Total:

(Make Checks payable to MSCDEarth Science Foundation)

By submitting the mineral sample for analysis I agree to following terms and condition: Neither Metropolitan State College ofDenver, the Department of Earth & Atmospheric Science nor its affiliates, professors and students shall be liable for any loss ordamage to submitted mineral samples nor for any damages, including but not limited to injuries, loss of property or profits, orincidental, consequential, exemplary, special or other damages that may result from use of reported analytical results.

Do NOT write here! For internal use only:

Assigned Geoscientist: Date Sample Received:

Report completed and mailed/picked up: Date: _______________
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