Modern Prospecting: How to Find, Claim and Sell Mineral Deposits

Modern Prospecting: How to Find, Claim and Sell Mineral Deposits is a practical guide to locating valuable mineral deposits and understanding the process of turning a discovery into a legitimate mining claim or marketable property.

Covering the essential stages of mineral exploration, this book introduces readers to prospecting methods, field observations, deposit evaluation, claim procedures, and the business considerations involved in selling or developing a mineral discovery. It connects traditional fieldwork with the practical knowledge needed to evaluate a prospect beyond the initial find.

Topics Covered

• How to locate promising mineralized areas

• Recognizing geological signs associated with mineral deposits

• Using maps, historical records, and field research

• Prospecting tools and exploration techniques

• Sampling and evaluating potential deposits

• Understanding mining claims and mineral rights

• Recording and protecting a mineral discovery

• Presenting or selling a mineral property

• Practical considerations before investing time and money

From Discovery to Opportunity

Finding an interesting rock or mineral occurrence is only the beginning. This guide helps readers understand the additional research, documentation, sampling, and legal steps that may be required to determine whether a discovery has genuine potential.

Because mining and land-use regulations can change, readers should confirm current federal, state, and local requirements before entering land, collecting material, filing a claim, or conducting mining activity.

Ideal For

• Beginning and experienced prospectors

• Rockhounds and mineral collectors

• Gold and hard-rock prospectors

• Mining-history enthusiasts

• Geology students and field researchers

• Anyone interested in mineral claims or prospect evaluation

Whether you are searching for gold, silver, gemstones, or other valuable minerals, Modern Prospecting offers a useful introduction to finding, evaluating, claiming, and marketing mineral deposits.

Modern Prospecting: How to Find, Claim and Sell Mineral Deposits, by Roger McPherson. 2nd Ed.

A gold pan, a couple of screens, a small shovel, rock hammer, hand lens , and sample bags are the essential tools for prospecting. However, to have a better chance of discovering a deposit, a prospector must also recognize the signposts of a favorable area, do the land status research, and follow through with valid claim staking, soil and rock sampling, and assaying. This systematic approach to mineral exploration is used by successful prospectors and mining companies today. Whether looking for gold, platinum, diamonds or any other mineral, anyone equipped with these basic skills greatly increases their ability to discover new bonanzas.

In Modern Prospecting, an experienced prospector passes on information acquired through 20 years of classroom study, field work in the western states and Alaska, and trial and error. Chapters include descriptions of the major types of deposits; interviews with professional geologists; how to obtain an assay; use geochemical and geophysical methods; and stake a proper claim.

With its handy glossary and helpful information on government agencies, websites and other contacts for assays suppliers, and geological bulletins, Modern Prospecting is the foremost how-to-do-it-right guide to prospecting in the twenty-first century.