Information about gold detecting, dry blowing, sluice, camping, Minelab, links to gold areas in WA.
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http://www.geocities.com/onyx1551/gold_prospecting.html
****PROSPECTING PHOTO ALBUM****
****FLORA & FAUNA PHOTO ALBUM****
****DRY BLOWING PHOTO ALBUM****
Listen to the sounds of the bush recorded in many locations throughout our great land- AUSTRALIA.
http://www.listeningearth.com.au
Gold Prospecting began in Western Australia over 150 years ago. In the late 1970's, metal detectors were the beginning of a new Gold Rush. The trials and tribulations of the four pictured here will unfold in the following pages.
From the left of picture Chris(CHUNKY), Neil (NIPPO) (VKS737-Whisky 9110), Robbie and myself Peter (NIGHTJAR) (VKS737-Whisky 1551.)
Gold Prospecting has become the most rewarding, interesting, frustrating hobby/business that we have ever attempted. Costs associated can also add up with the need to keep up with technology.
ROB history dating back to 1542AD.
Started my prospecting days back in 1980 travelling from Waikiki, WA, a trip to Nannine (old site) approximately 60kms South of Meekatharra, Western Australia. Was using the then, state of the art, "Garret Deepseeker". Found nothing on my first trip but a return to the area the following year resulted in two nuggets 1 1/4 oz & 1/4 oz. I was hooked, gold fever had grabbed me! Years later went back to this area and using a small dryblower managed to scrape together 6 oz's in three weeks. Very hard work digging by hand, however a rewarding exercise.
Upgraded to a Garrett Groundhog, after numerous trips was unable to turn up any nuggets (hence the frustration!)Spent 2 weeks at Nullagine, saw a lot of gold being found but with no luck myself.
The following years concentrated on dryblowing areas around Kalgoorlie and Kambalda with varying success. Developed many ideas on how to retrieve gold from the dryblower fines using a sluice instead of the usual panning method.
In the early 90's a trip to the Leonora area resulted in the purchase of a 200 hectare (500acre) lease."CHEPERON GOLD" ABN: 80 485 138 102
It really began happening then! We purchased 4x Whites V/Sat detectors and had a lot of success with small gold and returns with the dryblower. Took my three partners onboard and we now have three caravans, a shack (thanks to the Esperence shed fitter) and most of the comforts of home on our mining lease.(PL4260) We bought a Minelab SD 2000 between us in '96 and got immediate results with many fine nuggets. Had my long service leave in early '99 so bought the latest Minelab SD 2100. In the time I was there I picked up 44 nuggets and we totalled 74 nuggets for the trip.
The SD2000 has now been modified and Neil has added another modified 2000 to the inventory. Both SD's have had the 7.3volt system added. In 2004 Neil purchased a GP 3000 and his tally of nuggets has rocketed. In 2006 we sold the SD2000 and I bought a GP 3500, who knows what lays ahead.
In 2007 I upgraded to the GPX 4000 with good results on first trip. The GPX 4000 has revolutionised the metal detecting world with its ability to handle extremely mineralised ground with mono coils fitted. The addition of the digital readout enables the user to enter precise settings for various ground types.
Here is an example of one of the settings used; Using the ML 11" round DD with the following settings I was able to target the 6 nuggets ranging in depths from 75mm to 200mm. An interesting point here I was running the "Gain" in 9 and when I targeted the 3.9g, the signal was very faint. I altered the gain setting to maximum 15 setting and it boomed in. When I finished digging I returned the gain to 9 which was the most suitable for this ground.
Settings.
Volume = 30
Tone = 40
Signal = 10
Tracking = Medium
Ground Balance Type = General
Sensitive = Extra
Iron Reject = Off
Manual Tune = 76
Audio = Normal
Gain = 9
Motion = Slow
Response = Normal
When the machine is auto tuned the frequency selected shows up on the "Manual Tune" part of the menu. The greatest feature of this machine is, if the above settings are recorded, when I return to this area I will be able to set the machine exactly to the most responsive settings and be under way swinging with confidence.
Hope this assists you and any other GPX4000 owners
Enter the GPX-4500. Very happy with this machine hooked up to SL/NF 20" Mono. Have done a few mods to the back pack, carrier for pick and Camelback for the long walks.
Results were instant, two trips getting to know the machines and searching on well flogged areas we returned with over two ozs.
Birds nesting around our bush camp
Around 1999 we found a large hollow log near Marshall's Pool and conveyed it back to the camp. We wired it up under the shower tank stand hoping we could attract native birds to nest. For several seasons we had two Ringneck Parrots showing a lot of interest. While the male chattered and kept watch the female walked up and down the log, every few paces resting her beak on the log. This has us baffled, however we believe she was sensing the temperature of the wood. Morning and night they would return and go through the same ritual.Then during a visit to the camp in 2003 we observed her actually entering the log and scratching around inside. The male would poke his head in one of the holes and look on, all the time chattering. We noticed now she was spending a lot of time inside. On the morning we packed up to come home I climbed up on top of the shower shack with a torch and peered in. To my delight I could see 3 little chicks, so young they only had fluff covering their tiny bodies. This was the beginning of an era, they have nested every year now. Some mornings the whole family from years of nesting turn up at the camp and Mum & Dad put up with all the chatter for a while then there is a big dust up and the young ones are scared off.
In 2005 we hung nesting boxes around the camp hoping to attract other birds to nest. We have a water container nailed up in a tree which we top up daily and this attracts Butcher, Magpie, Miner, Bower, Galahs, Crows, Robin Red Breast birds and other desert dwellers. In 2006 it was like finding a 100oz nugget, a pair of Nightjar's- Aegotheles Cristatus, nested in one of the boxes and raised two young. Nightjar's are colonial/territorial of the Caprimulgidae family so we can expect the offspring to be nest in the other boxes in the coming years. I have used Nightjar as my pseudo long before this overwhelming achievement. That is another story I will add later.
NOW YOU WANT TO GET STARTED?
First and paramount is your personal safety. Our "OUTBACK" can be very unforgiving for the foolhardy and unprepared? First-Aid knowledge is essential! "How to treat snake bite" http://www.usyd.edu.au/anaes/venom/snakebite.html, can be the difference between life and death!! A $5.00 wide bandage applied correctly can give the patient the needed time for professional help to arrive.The worlds top 10 deadly snakes, 9 of them reside in Australia.http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0214503/Top%2010.html
More information on snakes.http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_conservation/wildlife/native_animals/living_with_wildlife/snakes/snake_bites/
Collection of images of Australian snakes. http://202.14.152.30/faunabase/_asp_bin/ByFamilyCommonNamecx.asp?d=Reptiles&f=Elapidae
For information, contact and support our Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Tel: (08) 9417 6390
Check out TEDS site.
A sound knowledge about “bush meals” is definitely advantageous.
Environmentaly friendly cooking.
WA QLamb delivered to your door.
Email:home.deliveries@waQlamb.com.au
Fax: (08)93679785
Q Lamb is about to begin home deliveries (Perth Metropoliton areas only), which will help we Prospectors plan our extended trips or satisfy our home needs.
What makes WA Q Lamb a quality product? (from farm gate to your plate)
•Bred by WA farmers
•WA Q lamb wins gold at 2008 Sydney Fine Foods Show
•Strict quality control
•Premium quality Cheaper than the supermarket
•Tender and lean
•Q Lamb delivered to your door
•Cryovac packed giving you longer shelf life
•Variety of packs will be available
•Valuable source of iron, zinc, protein
Roy and Melinda have been involved in farming for the last 22 years; we understand our product and the importance of eating quality succulent lamb.
To place an order: 0429 204 841
1 Lamb per box consisting of:
Approx 11kg box $192.00Approx
2x easy carve leg roasts
2x boned and rolled shoulder roasts
2x french racks
2x loin chops packs (7 per pack)
2x forequarter shanks
2x rump roasts
2x round roasts
½ Lamb per box consisting of:
5.5kg box $104.00
1x easy carve leg roast
1x boned and rolled shoulder roast
1x french rack
1x loin chop pack (7 per pack)
1x forequarter shank
1x rump roast
1x round roast
To go prospecting/ detecting and be successful you need to research the area you intend to visit. You should be aware of the driving hazards you will encounter. Wet roads become treacherous and the slightest lapse in concentration you end up like I did in photo below. You should have a sound knowledge of bush mechanics and carry critical spares! eg: fan belts, radiator hoses, fuses etc.
For 4WD information, join a club:
The Australian National 4WD Radio Network Inc:Visit their website:http://www.vks737.on.net
Four Wheel Drive Club of WA (Inc) e-mail: 4wdgathering@4wdclubwa.asn.au
Get yourself a Prospecting Licence: (Miners Right) ($25.00)
http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/documents/Info2(2).pdf
OBTAIN MAPS OF THE AREA:Department of Industry and Resources. (Western Australia)Web site: http://www.mpr.wa.gov.au/
Natmap Digital Maps, 2008 release: http://www.ga.gov.au/nmd/products/maps/raster250k/
OziExplorer web site:http://www.oziexplorer.com/
Get your hands on the first addition of "Gold and Ghosts" (Very rare, fetching upwards of $500.00AU) This will give you all the prospecting areas in Western Australia. Second hand copies are occasionally listed on eBay or advertised in the "Australian Gold Gem & Treasure" which is a monthly magazine containing articles on prospecting and a classified section from which you can buy all your prospecting needs.
For subscription e-mail:magworks@ozemail.com.au Subscribing to this very informative magazine is money well spent.
It is advisable that when you decide which area you intend to prospect, you write to the Station Owner whose land the prospect is in. Introduce yourself and let them know, when you will be in the area, your miners right number, your vehicle make and rego number and how long you intend to stay. Introducing yourself is a courtesy which can have its benefits, as well as retaining a relationship between pastoralists and prospectors. We prospectors do not have a very good reputation because of the minority group who leave gates open, cut fences, shoot holes in anything that moves and doesn't move ie: water tanks and windmills etc. Word of advice: If you intend to take your dog with you, don’t let it run free or it will end up in a lonely grave. Most stations aerial drop poison baits for wild dogs.
If the area is covered by El's (Exploration Licences) or is a current Mining Lease you need permission to enter. Of all the mining companies and pastoralists that I have contacted I have always received permission to detect, after explaining we weren't bringing mobile equipment ie: bobcats, front-end loaders etc. If you detect on another's lease without permission they can legally confiscate all your equipment. This is highly unlikely, but it can happen by law, you are generally asked to move on. Also, it is an offence to clear areas of natural bush without permission and there are huge fines imposed if you are caught and found guilty!
Purchase a Global Positioning System (GPS) A GPS is an excellent navigation aid, linked to a laptop running OziExplorer and Natmaps and using the moving map option is invaluable. Some photos on how I have set up my laptop in my little truck.
This does not replace the need for careful orienteering and good judgement, keeping in mind electronics have a habit of failing in the inopportune moments.
If you are not familiar with finding your way around the bush, I strongly advise you read as much as you can about the West Australian outback. Buy yourself a compass SILVA is a good brand as it is flat/light and you can hang it around your neck at all times. Practice compass walks eg: Walk for 15 minutes in any direction (noting what heading you are on) then swing 90deg left, walk for 15 minutes swing 90deg left, walk again for 15 minutes, swing 90deg left and in 15 minutes you should be in sight of your starting point. Given time and practice you don't need the compass and you can be guaranteed to be back near starting point. You can also practice walking in a triangle 120deg swings (this is my preferred method). Walk for a selected time each leg and you will almost always come back to the vehicle. If this fails pull the GPS out of your back pack, retrieve the co-ordinates you entered before leaving your vehicle?? Locate the vehicle within a few hundred metres, (probably obscured by a clump of trees or hill.)
A GPS is not essential, however we have found it invaluable for storing coordinates of likely prospecting areas and also any windmills or waterholes we come across. Whenever water is located it should be tested to judge whether it is potable. Note this in your GPS. No point making your way to a water source if it is salty. You never know when you may be stranded and need to find water for survival. A quick search will reveal the nearest water location.
A very important point: If you get in the habit of going for long hikes from your vehicle in search of new ground, always enter position of your vehicle in GPS so you can have an accurate record of where you need to head back too. You can become disorientated very easily in the bush because everything looks familiar. On overcast days you are unable to navigate using the sun and can become confused, especially, if there is a wind direction change.
Comprehensive PDF covering outback travel and survival techniquies.
http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/australian-outback-dangers.html
Reed Prospecting for purchasing information and all your other prospecting needs contact, Bernd and Petra Wasse:
Reeds Prospecting Supplies Phone/Fax: 08 92503388- Mobile: 0407779110 or e-mail: petraw@iinet.net.au
Visit their website:http://www.reedsprospecting.com.au
The Prospectors Patch supporting prospectors for 20 years.
The Prospectors Patch Phone: 08 93793636 Fax:08 92798848 or email: info@prospectorspatch.com.au
Visit their website:http://www.prospectorspatch.com.au For all your low voltage requirements, solar panels, 12 volt pumps etc. For online purchasing and enquiry information contact:
(i)The 12 Volt Shop on (08) 94581212.
e-mail:sales@12volt.com.au
Visit their website:http://www.12volt.com.au
For safety and social reasons purchase a High Frequency Radio There are a range of radios to suit most personal needs and financial budgets. The Barrett 550 with auto tuning aerial suits most needs, with the added ability to be able to make radio
telephone calls to home and anywhere in the world for that matter. For purchasing information contact:
(i) Barrett Communications Pty Ltd on (08) 9434 1700.
e-mail:information@barrettcommunications.com.au
Visit their website: http://www.barrettcommunications.com.au
(ii) Terlin Outbacker on (08) 9455 4288.
e-mail: terlin@outbacker.com.au
Visit their website: http://www.outbacker.com.au
Minelab have now released their latest GPX 4000 model a follow on from the GP 3500. This detector has added digital features built in which enables the prospector to uncover nuggets in previously searched ground and discover new "patches." For information on your local dealer:
contact: Minelab Electronics Pty. Ltd. on (08) 8238 0890 or freecall 1800 637 786. For further information and to get a copy of the new Minelab Adventure Book.
Visit their website:http://www.minelab.com
Coiltek Pty Ltd produce accessories compatable with the Minelab series of detectors. The latest developments are sending a buzz around the prospectors group. Their new UFO 24" X 12" Monoloop Coil and their 7.3 volt regulated power system is breathing new life into the SD series. (**Note** The regulated power system is not compatable with the GP models.) For more information contact:
John Gladdis: on (08) 8283 0222.
e-mail:coiltek@ozemail.com.au
Visit their website:http://www.coiltek.com.au
Garrett have a large range of detectors to meet most needs, whether you are treasure hunter,beach comber or prospector.
e-mail:mail@goldminingcentre.com.au
Visit their website:http://www.goldminingcentre.com.au
Barry & Rohan Johnson (Detector sales & service) have everything to meet the prospectors needs.
e-mail:goldtec@ruralnet.net.au
Visit their web site:http://www.nuggetfinder.com
You the prospector can support the industry by joining Amalgamated Prospectors and Leaseholders Association of Western Australia Inc.
e-mail:apla@primusonline.com.au
Visit their website: http://www.apla-prospectors.org.au
Visit Jack & Margarets website for all your prospecting need and advice.
e-mail:jlange@bmr.net.au
Visit their websitehttp://www.jacksgold.com
Visit Saul & Carols International Gold Market and discuss sale of our disappearing natural nuggets.
e-mail:sales@goldmartinc.com
Visit their web sitehttp://www.goldmartinc.com/
Lasseter's lost reef.
Visit the online dictionaryhttp://www.lasseteria.com/default.htm
Scroll down when you open the following site and click on: "Central Australia Trip July2 2005 in search for Lasseter's Gold Reef.
http://detectorcommunity.ning.com/video
Visit the prospecting forums and associated links:
"CLICK HERE"
Your One-Stop Treasure Resource
Public prospecting and treasure hunting forum.
Department of Industry and Resources
Peter W Beck Pty Ltd buys native gold
NEW Gold Detecting Message Board
Northern Territory gold prospecting with Geoff
Tom Ashworth's Prospectors Cache
Australia's Online Gold Magazine
The Swiss Internet Platform for recreational gold prospecting!
Northwest Treasure Supply (Washington)
Oak Island Treasure. (Nova Scotia)
Bill's nugget shooting page & forum.
Thankyou for looking around, I'd be interested in your constructive criticism on how to improve this GOLD PROSPECTING/DETECTING information site!
Please e-mail me with any queries.
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