Present | Placer Mining Today

Today, placer mining techniques have not changed much. The main difference is that settling ponds are used to capture the excess silt before muddying up the streams and rivers. These ponds also ensure that the mining operation has enough water to run its operations.

Today there are only 46 active mines in Colorado, 2 of which are on the San Miguel River.

Learn How Placer Mining Was Done 100 Years Ago

 

 

How to Pan For Gold:
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The San Miguel River, along the Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway has been a successful place to find gold.