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How to Dig Your Own Gold From Arizona Mines

With gold selling at $1,500 per oz. in early 2011, gold mining has become a popular hobby in Arizona. Digging for gold in an Arizona mine requires that you stake a claim, obtain permission from a mine owner to dig in an owned mine, or visit a recreational mining site. Any U.S. citizen can stake a claim in Arizona, and a claimant can have more than one claim or mine site, according to the Arizona Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Mining claims are often located on areas administered by the United States Forest Service.

Things You'll Need

Helmet lighting
Metal detector
Hammer drill
Pick
Shovel
Gloves
Dry washer
Dish detergent
Toothbrush
White Vinegar
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Review Arizona land survey notes and maps at your local BLM office. Research topographical maps of Arizona provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. Locate a claim by identifying and researching previously abandoned gold mines. Check the BLM and county records to determine if a claim has already been filed for the land you wish to claim.
- 2
  File a claim. The Certificate of Location (COL) must be filed with BLM within 90 days of locating a claim. Pay the appropriate fees for recording a claim. Pay an annual maintenance fee to avoid forfeiting the claim.
- 3
  Visit the claim site. Use a metal detector to locate gold in a mine or gold claim area. Use a helmet with a light, if you are digging for gold in a cave. Dig for gold with a hammer drill, shovel or mining pick.
- 4
  Use a dry washer to sift through dirt and debris as you search for gold. Shovel dry material into the top. Catch gold in the riffles as dirt falls to the lower part of the machine.
- 5
  Clean gold nuggets with dish detergent and a toothbrush. Place gold nuggets in a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and water. Allow to soak overnight.

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