Remote Prospecting?

[Geowizard]

Where it all begins;

It all begins with a "prospector" and "boots on the ground".

This past season, I was waiting for my scheduled air charter. I decided to stroll outside and noticed a few "prospectors" sitting around talking about "prospecting"!

I introduced myself to them. One is well known in prospecting circles in Alaska. He's the type of mild mannered prospector that goes into the most extreme remote parts of Alaska. Having gone where practically no man has gone, he is responsible for a number of notable discoveries.

Reading about other prospectors and their success provides an example for others.

Stick around, there's more!

- Geowizard

[Geowizard]

The way it works;

A geophysical method that uses the same tools. The only addition is a toggle switch or electronic switching circuit. The principle is based on the fact that mineralized/metal deposits (think GOLD and associated minerals) having disseminated particles.

The method is similar. So, when the measured voltage at the receiver does not immediately return unless there is no mineralization. The more mineralization, the more the signal. The video talks about the use of 3D.

Tools like this enable prospectors to see places in the earth that otherwise cannot be seen!

Don't go away!

- Geowizard

[Joe S (AK)]

Ben is a long time friend of mine - he was raised in Trapper Creek, where his family still lives while Ben travels to explore Alaska and other places. Funny though - he always swings by town to visit whenever he can.

Ben is a unique mixture of masterful knowledge, practical mining experience and humble competence while he's also a great guy to just sit and talk with.

Joe

[Geowizard]

Measuring signals;

Warning: Math is used here.

As mentioned in the prior post, a signal is applied to the ground. Then the voltage is turned OFF. The voltage at the two receiver electrodes is measured. The voltage is written down.

The larger the signal, the MORE mineralization/GOLD or associated metals present.

It isn't rocket science!

Don't go away!

- Geowizard

[Geowizard]

Frequency;

Science being as science is, there are ALWAYS more ways of looking at the Earth!

Considering the effect, there is a question of "Reactance" at increasing frequencies of the process mentioned above.

The reactance can be measured at Direct Current Voltage (VDC). A switch from zero to positive is one cycle.

Electronic switching circuits can accomplish this type of switching. The voltage can be measured with computer timing giving exact readings at precise times. As the switching frequency increases, the AC voltage (VAC) can be measured at the receiver.

That's all there is to it!

Don't go away!

- Geowizard

[Geowizard]

For the inquisitive prospector;

There are many references online related to prospecting.

For the "inquisitive prospector";

There are links that provide further brain food on the subject!

Please stick around, there's more!

- Geowizard

[Geowizard]

An imperfect world;

Unfortunately with respect to making accurate and repeatable electrical measurements, the world is covered with ground (dirt) that makes prospecting a challenge.

This should be intuitively obvious to the most casual observer;

Only the most perceptive fledgling geo-wizards and prospectors will have noticed an illustration.

The ground will change. That's a problem!

Driving numerous metal stakes into the ground makes a better electrical connection. That way, variations in the signal will be related rather than how well one, individual stake was driven into the ground.

Wait, don't go away!

- Geowizard

[Leonard]

It isn't rocket science!

One of my dredging buddies was a "Rocket Scientist" and had a tee shirt that said "Actually I am a Rocket scientist"

He spent about 1/2 his time at the Cape.

Leonard

[Geowizard]

Leonard,

Did he talk "shop" much? I bet he had some interesting things to talk about!

- Geowizard

[Leonard]

We mostly talked dredging as it was a pretty much active group. We traveled all over the country. I made it down for a shuttle launch when I visited a couple dredging buddies in Florida. I even stopped by Jim's place once.
Leonard