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Gold Prospecting
Prospecting Rules & Regulations
Using a dredge in Australia for recreational prospecting is illegal - information and questions
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<blockquote data-quote="Reg Wilson" data-source="post: 400715" data-attributes="member: 10941"><p>That is not a very big dredge. Under powered and poorly set up. I did some dredging back in the 70s before it became illegal. We used a 10hp Honda with 3" inlet pump and 5" suction hose, mounted on twin pontoons which not only supported the engine, pump, compressor, classifier and riffle box, but also my partner who kept the riffle box clear. The underwater operator used a hookah and wore a heavy duty wet suit with boots and gloves. We also used lights to see clearly in deep holes.</p><p>There were a number of critical factors in running a dredge efficiently. To avoid blockages the intake had a slightly smaller diameter than the hose, as flat stones could turn in the hose and block. The riffle box needed to be as close to the water as possible as material would lift with ease even from some depth underwater but not above the waterline. (Some riffle boxes were actually designed to run submerged) The level of the riffle box was most important as a good flow was needed to keep the box clear, but too much angle would result in loss of fine gold. A rubber flap was used to break surface tension, stopping fine gold from floating, and directing it downward.</p><p>We only ever worked stream beds, not eating into the banks, and by doing so created no more damage than a light flood would do. By the time the water had flowed down stream about a kilometer is was as clear as upstream from our work.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Reg Wilson, post: 400715, member: 10941"] That is not a very big dredge. Under powered and poorly set up. I did some dredging back in the 70s before it became illegal. We used a 10hp Honda with 3" inlet pump and 5" suction hose, mounted on twin pontoons which not only supported the engine, pump, compressor, classifier and riffle box, but also my partner who kept the riffle box clear. The underwater operator used a hookah and wore a heavy duty wet suit with boots and gloves. We also used lights to see clearly in deep holes. There were a number of critical factors in running a dredge efficiently. To avoid blockages the intake had a slightly smaller diameter than the hose, as flat stones could turn in the hose and block. The riffle box needed to be as close to the water as possible as material would lift with ease even from some depth underwater but not above the waterline. (Some riffle boxes were actually designed to run submerged) The level of the riffle box was most important as a good flow was needed to keep the box clear, but too much angle would result in loss of fine gold. A rubber flap was used to break surface tension, stopping fine gold from floating, and directing it downward. We only ever worked stream beds, not eating into the banks, and by doing so created no more damage than a light flood would do. By the time the water had flowed down stream about a kilometer is was as clear as upstream from our work. [/QUOTE]
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Gold Prospecting
Prospecting Rules & Regulations
Using a dredge in Australia for recreational prospecting is illegal - information and questions
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