Do you ever wonder why we stake more lode claims than placer even though most recreational prospecto
Placer gold is gold that has eroded from lode veins or deposits. The nearer you are to a vein or deposit the more likely you will find flakes, pickers and nuggets. Fine pieces of gold will travel miles in high, fast water. The old timers would trace these small finds up stream or up slope to the original gold outcrop or source. Advantages of small scale placer operations include: 1. Placer claims require less expensive equipment. 2. What gold you find if any is in your hand or vial today. 3. Unless you disturb a large area or leave deep pits, your little operation seldom needs BLM reclamation bonds, permits or a plan of operations. Disadvantages of small scale placer operations include: 1
