Step-by-step guide on how to pan for gold

1. Choose the Right Location:

Research and select a location with a history of gold deposits. Popular gold panning spots include areas where gold has been found before, such as old gold mining sites or areas near known gold-bearing rivers.

2. Gather Your Equipment:

You'll need a few basic tools and supplies:

• Gold pan: A shallow, flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, specifically designed for gold panning.
• Classifier or sieve: A tool to remove larger rocks and debris from your pan.
• Shovel or trowel: For digging and moving sediment.
• Snuffer bottle or tweezers: To pick up small gold flakes.
• Small vials or containers: For storing your gold.
• Gloves and waterproof boots: To keep your hands and feet dry and protect against sharp rocks.

3. Find a Good Spot:

Look for a section of the river or stream where the water is slow-moving and shallow. This is typically where gold settles.

Avoid areas with fast currents, deep water, or private property restrictions.

4. Dig and Fill Your Pan:

Use your shovel or trowel to dig gravel, sand, and sediment from the riverbed.

Fill your pan about two-thirds full with material from the riverbed. Avoid overloading it to prevent spillage.

5. Submerge the Pan:

Place your pan in the water and submerge it completely. Tilt it slightly to let the water flow in and wash away the lighter material.

6. Agitate and Swirl:

Gently shake and swirl the pan back and forth, allowing the water to wash away the lighter material. Keep the pan level to avoid spilling the heavier gold.

7. Repeat the Process:

Continue to agitate and swirl the pan while gradually tilting it forward. The goal is to wash away everything except the gold and heavier black sand, which will settle at the bottom.

8. Remove Larger Rocks:

Use your classifier or sieve to remove larger rocks and pebbles from the pan.

9. Inspect for Gold:

Carefully inspect the contents of your pan, especially the bottom where the gold may have settled.

Use your snuffer bottle or tweezers to pick up any visible gold flakes or nuggets.

10. Repeat if Necessary:

If you didn't find any gold in your first pan, repeat the process with a new batch of material from the riverbed.

11. Store Your Findings:

Place any collected gold flakes or nuggets in small vials or containers for safekeeping.

12. Clean Up:

Dispose of the remaining material in an environmentally responsible manner, away from the water source.

Make sure to leave the area as you found it, respecting the environment and local regulations.

13. Practice and Patience:

Gold panning takes practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't find gold immediately. Patience and persistence are key.

Remember that gold panning may not yield significant amounts of gold, but it can be a rewarding and enjoyable outdoor activity. Be sure to follow any local laws and regulations regarding gold panning and environmental conservation in the area you choose to pan for gold.