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Old mining photographs are one of the most overlooked prospecting tools — and they're hiding in archives, museums, and family albums all over the world. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew teaches you how to read goldfield geology from historic photographs. You'll learn where to find old images, what to look for in them, and how to match a photograph to the modern landscape. Andrew covers the key clues — workings, mullock heaps, surfacing, water races, vegetation patterns, and old tracks — and shares his "photographic triangulation" method for pinpointing workings that are no longer visible. Key Topics Covered: Why old photographs are a prospecting tool that captures what maps can't Where to find historic goldfield photographs: archives, museums, universities, and newspapers What to look for: workings, mullock heaps, surfacing, water races, vegetation, tracks, and equipment Matching a photograph to the modern landscape: viewpoints, features, and targets Prospector's Tip: the "photographic triangulation" method What old photographs reveal about missed gold: edges, old creek courses, surfacing, and untouched patches Legal and ethical considerations for using and publishing historic images Seeing the past in the present — using photographs to guide your prospecting -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In the 1800s, a series of colossal gold discoveries triggered mass migrations that reshaped continents and changed the course of history. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew takes you back to the great gold rushes — from the California Gold Rush of 1848 that drew 300,000 people to the American West, to the Australian rush that saw half a million people sail from the British Isles alone, to the brutal Klondike stampede and the Witwatersrand discovery that built Johannesburg. You'll learn the scale of these migrations, the discoveries that sparked them, and the lasting legacy they left behind — including the gold that the old-timers missed. If you've ever wondered about the history of gold fever on a global scale, this episode is your guide. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: The California Gold Rush: Sutter's Mill, the Forty-Niners, and 300,000 migrants The Australian Gold Rush: Edward Hargraves, half a million British migrants, and the Victorian goldfields The Klondike Gold Rush: 100,000 stampeders, the Chilkoot Pass, and the disappointment of Dawson City The Witwatersrand Gold Rush: George Harrison's £10 claim and the birth of Johannesburg Smaller rushes: British Columbia, Colorado, the Black Hills, and New Zealand Prospector's Tip: what the rushes left behind for modern prospectors The human cost and lasting legacy of the great gold rushes. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

2026 has been a remarkable year for gold — and beginners are finding it in some surprising places. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew rounds up the real stories and real locations where new prospectors are finding gold this year. From a 48-gram nugget found by three Finnish farmers near a forest road in Lapland, to a drying lakebed in Indonesia that sparked a local gold rush, to the continuing productivity of Australia's Golden Triangle and the historic public lands of the American West, Andrew explores what's working and why. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: Why 2026 is the year of the beginner: high gold prices, better technology, and lower barriers Finland: the 48-gram "Luna" nugget found by amateur prospectors in Lapland Indonesia: the drying Lake Semayang gold rush in East Kalimantan Australia: Victoria's Golden Triangle and the record number of Miner's Rights United States: historic ground and public access in California and Arizona The common threads: getting out there, using the right tech, spotting opportunity, and choosing proven ground Prospector's Tip: the "local opportunity" mindset for finding gold where you least expect it -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Every old diggings, rusted tool, and crumbling stone wall is a chapter in the story of gold mining — and a clue to where gold still hides. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew explores the archaeology and history of gold mining, showing how historical methods and abandoned mine studies can help modern prospectors find gold that was missed. You'll learn the evolution of placer techniques — from the pan and rocker to the long tom, sluice, hydraulic mining, and dredging — and hard rock methods including fire setting, hand drilling, stamp mills, and mercury amalgamation. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: Why archaeology matters to modern prospectors The evolution of placer mining: pan, rocker, long tom, sluice, hydraulic mining, and dredging The evolution of hard rock mining: fire setting, hand drilling, shafts, adits, arrastras, stamp mills, and mercury amalgamation Reading the archaeological record: dating workings by era (1849–1855, 1855–1880, 1880–1920, 1930s, modern) Prospector's Tip: the "period-by-period" field guide for reading goldfields Abandoned mine studies: what they are, what they reveal, and how to access them What old methods tell us about what was missed: fine gold, deep gold, sulphide gold, satellite deposits, and margins Legal, ethical, and safety considerations: never enter old mines, respect heritage, check land status, and be aware of environmental hazards -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Historic mining towns exist because there was gold there — and the creeks around them still hold colour today. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew teaches you how to find gold in creeks near historic mining towns. You'll learn why these towns are confirmed gold occurrences, how to research the best creeks using history and geological maps, and the specific techniques that work in worked ground. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: Why historic mining towns are gold mines of information The research phase: history, geological maps, mining records, and designated fossicking areas Reading the creek: old diggings, tailings, bedrock, inside bends, and high terraces Prospector's Tip: the "town-to-creek" survey for systematic evaluation Techniques that work: panning, sluicing, metal detecting, crevicing, and highbanking Legal and ethical considerations: land status, claims, and heritage protection Case study: Hill End, New South Wales, and the Tambaroora Fossicking Area The romance and reality of prospecting historic ground -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Knowing how to find gold is not the same as knowing how to run a mine. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew tackles project management for small-scale mining operations — aimed specifically at hobbyists and prospectors considering the leap to commercial production. You'll learn the four phases of mine development — planning, permitting, construction, and operations — and why each phase must be completed before the next begins. Andrew explains how to prove your resource, design your mine, estimate costs with realistic contingencies, and navigate the permitting process. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: The mindset shift from prospector to project manager The four phases of mine development: planning, permitting, construction, operations Planning: proving your resource, mine design, cost estimation, and scheduling Permitting: starting early, getting help, and managing stakeholders Prospector's Tip: the "phase-gate" approach for disciplined project progression Construction: building small, sequencing work, and managing contractors Operations: production targets, maintenance, and compliance Financial management: cash flow, contingency funds, and reinvestment Risk management: geological, permitting, construction, operational, market, and financial risks Closure and rehabilitation: planning for the end from day one -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

You've found the reef and crushed the ore — now how do you separate the gold from the rock? In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew explains the fundamentals of gravity concentration for small-scale prospectors. You'll learn the principles behind the four main types of gravity concentrators: jigs, spiral concentrators, shaking tables, and centrifugal concentrators like the Knelson and Falcon. Andrew explains how each machine works, what particle size range it handles best, and where it fits in a small-scale gravity circuit. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: The principle of gravity concentration: density, water flow, and particle size Jigs: pulsating water and the recovery of coarse gold Spiral concentrators: flowing film separation for medium-sized gold Shaking tables: the precision instrument for fine gold down to 10 microns Prospector's Tip: the "size-first" selection guide for choosing equipment Centrifugal concentrators: Knelson, Falcon, and the recovery of very fine gold Other gravity equipment: Kelsey jig, Multi-Gravity Separator, and Itomak A practical four-stage gravity circuit for small-scale prospectors Equipment selection guidance for different ore types and gold sizes -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Is your gold deposit actually worth mining? In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew tackles the economics of gold mining — the numbers that determine whether a project goes ahead or gets shelved. You'll learn the critical difference between mineral resources and mineral reserves, how cut-off grades are calculated and why they're the single most important economic concept in mining, and the three stages of feasibility studies. Andrew also explains NPV, IRR, and payback period, the metrics investors use to evaluate projects, and shares his "back-of-the-envelope" test for quickly assessing a deposit. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: Mineral resources vs. mineral reserves: what's the difference? Cut-off grade: the minimum grade that can be mined economically The break-even cut-off grade formula and how royalties affect it Feasibility studies: PEA, PFS, and FS — the three stages explained NPV, IRR, and payback period: the metrics that matter Prospector's Tip: the "back-of-the-envelope" test for quick evaluation The gold price: current levels and conservative assumptions All-in sustaining costs (AISC) and why they matter Why most gold prospects never become mines -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

You've found the reef and sampled the ore — now how do you get the gold out? In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew explains the fundamentals of mineral processing, or ore dressing, for small-scale prospectors. You'll learn the liberation principle — why you have to break the rock to recover the gold — and the four stages of processing: crushing, grinding, sizing, and classification. Andrew covers the tools for each stage, from the humble dolly pot to jaw crushers, rod mills, and classifiers, and explains the critical trade-off between fine grinding and gold loss. **For more information about **Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: The liberation principle: why gold locked in rock can't be recovered The trade-off between fine grinding and gold loss Crushing: dolly pots, jaw crushers, and chain mills Grinding: rod mills, ball mills, and mortar and pestle Sizing: screens, sieves, and stacking classifiers Classification: settling tanks, hydrocyclones, and cone classifiers Prospector's Tip: the "staged crush and check" method Recovery after liberation: gravity separation and refractory ore Safety: dust, noise, moving parts, and ventilation A complete small-scale processing workflow -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Is that glint in your pan real gold, or is it fool's gold? In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew teaches you how to tell the difference instantly. You'll learn his "gold test triangle" — three simple field tests that never fail — and the visual clues that separate real gold from its imposters. Andrew covers the main culprits, including pyrite, chalcopyrite, mica, and marcasite, and explains why they fool us. He also shares his "pocket test kit" for identifying gold in the field, what to do if your specimen turns out to be pyrite, and how to train your eye by handling real gold and fool's gold side by side. If you've ever been fooled by a shiny rock, this episode will make sure it never happens again. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: Why fool's gold fools us — the visual similarities between gold and pyrite The Gold Test Triangle: softness test, streak test, and weight test Instant visual clues: colour, shape, texture, tarnish, and where it's found The main imposters: pyrite, chalcopyrite, mica, marcasite, bornite, and pyrrhotite Prospector's Tip: the "pocket test kit" for field identification What to do if it's not gold but still valuable Training your eye — the only way to get good The joy of certainty and the unique properties of real gold -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The best gold in the world is worthless if you don't make it home to enjoy it. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew tackles the most important topic of all: safety. You'll learn the most common prospecting mistakes that can lead to injury — from underestimating water, heat, and terrain to mishandling tools, ignoring wildlife, and falling prey to gold fever. Andrew covers fast water and flash floods, desert heat and dehydration, unstable banks and hidden mine shafts, tool safety, wildlife encounters, and the mental errors that catch even experienced prospectors. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: Water hazards: fast currents, cold water, flash floods, and camping in washes Desert and heat: hydration, working hours, clothing, and vehicle preparation Terrain and ground: slippery rocks, unstable banks, old mine shafts, and getting lost Tool and equipment safety: picks, safety glasses, pumps, and dust protection Prospector's Tip: the "five-point departure check" for every trip Wildlife encounters: bears, snakes, and knowing the local hazards Mental mistakes: gold fever, sunk cost fallacy, overconfidence, and solo prospecting The safety mindset: awareness, preparation, and respect for the land -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Mining law is complex, it varies enormously from country to country, and it changes constantly. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew provides a broad overview of mining law and permitting worldwide, covering land tenure, claims, environmental permits, and regulatory compliance. You'll learn how the US, Australia, Canada, Ghana, Peru, Finland, and Sweden approach mineral rights and prospecting permits, and you'll understand the global trend toward tighter regulations and longer timelines. Andrew also shares his "three-agency check" for staying compliant before you prospect in any new area. This episode includes a clear disclaimer: it is not legal advice, and it is your responsibility to research the current rules for your specific location and equipment. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: Land tenure and mineral rights: who owns what, and why it matters Claims and permits: recreational prospecting vs. commercial operations Environmental permits and the global trend toward stricter regulations Ongoing compliance: annual fees, assessment work, and reclamation Regional examples: US, Australia, Canada, Ghana, Peru, Finland, and Sweden Prospector's Tip: the "three-agency check" for legal confidence What the tightening legal landscape means for small-scale prospectors Important Disclaimer: This episode provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Mining laws and regulations vary significantly by jurisdiction and change frequently. The host is not a lawyer. It is your responsibility to research and comply with the current rules for your specific location, equipment, and intentions. Always consult a qualified legal professional or the relevant government agency before prospecting or staking a claim. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Some of the best prospecting ground isn't pristine wilderness — it's the old diggings, abandoned shafts, and crumbling stone walls left behind by miners a century ago. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew teaches you how to read old workings and find the gold the old-timers missed. You'll learn what different types of historic diggings reveal — alluvial workings, surfacing, shafts, adits, open cuts, water races, and stamp mills — and how to interpret the mullock heaps, tailings, and vegetation that surround them. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: Why old workings are a goldmine of geological information Types of historic diggings: alluvial, surfacing, shafts, adits, open cuts, water races, and mills Reading the ground around old workings: mullock heaps, tailings, tracks, and vegetation What the old-timers missed: fine gold, deep gold, sulphide gold, and satellite deposits Prospector's Tip: the "four-corner survey" for evaluating an old mine site Using old workings to find new ground by following structures and historical maps Safety at old workings: why you should never enter a shaft or adit Respecting heritage and leaving ruins undisturbed The conversation across time — completing the old-timers' story -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

There's a moment every prospector remembers forever: the first glint of gold in the pan. In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew walks you through what to do when you find your first piece of gold. You'll learn how to secure the find without losing it, how to document the moment with photos, notes, and GPS, and the common mistakes to avoid — like biting the gold or scrubbing it clean. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: The moment of discovery — why you should freeze before you move Securing your find safely with a snuffer bottle or vial Documenting the find: photos, GPS, and journal notes Common mistakes after a first find — and how to avoid them Prospector's Tip: the "first find vial" tradition Sharing the moment with family, friends, and clubs Building on your first find: returning to the spot, expanding, and upgrading gear The meaning of the first find — proof, connection, and the start of a journey -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Where can you actually go to find gold without breaking the law or breaking the bank? In this episode of Gold Mining Tips, Andrew tours the best public lands across the United States where you can legally prospect for free. From California's Auburn State Recreation Area and Oregon's four designated panning sites to Arizona's Lynx Creek, Alaska's Petersville Recreational Mining Area, and Colorado's Arapahoe Bar, you'll learn exactly where to go and what rules apply. For more information about Gold Mining Tips, visit: https://linktr.ee/Goldminingtips Key Topics Covered: The golden rules of prospecting on public land: the General Mining Law of 1872, casual use, and claim checking California: Auburn State Recreation Area, South Yuba River State Park, Merced River, and Keysville Oregon: Quartzville, Butte Falls, Applegate, and Wallowa-Whitman Arizona: Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area and Prescott National Forest Alaska: Petersville Recreational Mining Area, Kenai Peninsula panning sites, and Nome's public beach Colorado: Arapahoe Bar and Cache Creek Placer Area Prospector's Tip: the "land status triple-check" for legal confidence Georgia and North Carolina: gold in the Appalachian Piedmont The role of prospecting clubs in accessing productive claims The freedom — and responsibility — of prospecting on public lands -- Hosting provided by SoundOn