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Mining on the Salmon River

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 11:00 am
by Tall Tom
I own a claim on the Salmon River, haven't done anything with it since 2009. I am hoping that we can dredge this year.
But I was wondering what are we allowed to use to mine right now? Highbanker?, Mini Trommel? Stream sluice? I can't understand the definitions of the type of equipment allowed aside from a Gold Pan. I know it says no suction or suction dredging, or equipment for it. So does that mean you can't even pump water from the river for the purpose of mining? My claim has several high benches from the old river channel that could be mined with s Highbanker or a Mimi Trommel.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

Re: Mining on the Salmon River

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 4:18 pm
by Jim_Alaska
As the law stands right now it says that no one can use any "mechanical" equipment for the recovery of minerals.

So, if it is mechanical you can't use it, according to the law. A sluice set in the river is not mechanical. But even with a sluice you have to take the material you are running through the sluice from the water. For many years the authorities have forbidden sluicing "earthen material", so you can't take material from the bank and run it.

If you are not sure, just think of it this way: If the material is naturally wet from being in the river it is legal, if it is dry from being out of the water it is illegal.

Re: Mining on the Salmon River

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 7:27 am
by Tall Tom
That sucks, what's the point of even owning a claim with mineral rights that you aren't allowed to retrieve. Plus you have to pay yearly to keep the claim, they keep the money and don't let you mine.

Re: Mining on the Salmon River

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 2:41 pm
by Jim_Alaska
Yes it is discouraging Tom. And the points you bring up and more have been sent to them at comment meetings and addressed in court also.

Re: Mining on the Salmon River

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 8:10 pm
by Tall Tom
I used to have a claim up past the ranger station, but Clinton took my claim and a bunch of other ones and turned it into wilderness back in 1996. Really sucked because when I was dredging it I was averaging about 2 ounces a day.

Re: Mining on the Salmon River

Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 11:49 pm
by au_dreamer1218
Jim would a rocker box set in a tub of water (for reusing) be considered mechanical?
Thanks au_dreamer