bybyQLD

Hi, I'm considering purchasing a metal detector and having a go at gold prospecting in the pilbara, any comments???

keel

Pack a hat and a lot of water.

Keel

EvannTel

Have you ever heard of fools gold?

huey

Lots of land up there already has claims on them by other people or companies. And I mean LOTS of land.

mohogony

You have to be careful you don't tresspass on other peoples claims they could get angry with you pinching their gold. Most people who buy metal detectors try it a few times don't find anything and give up.As an inexperienced first timer your chances may not be good of finding anything unless you get lucky. l think theres metal detecting clubs or groups of people that go out there they would know the best places to go and could show you how to find gold with a detector.

paulry

I spent two years prospecting for gold many moons ago. A metal detector isn't what you need. Your best hope of finding visible gold is done by panning for it. Good for a laugh but don't give up your daytime job

renth

Pilbara's not a major gold area. You'd be better off going to Kalgoorlie.

Deancm_MKII

The people that know where to go have probably already found what gold there is to be found.

Red_V_Roger

We were in VIC on the Gold Fields Route last Christmas and somebody found a $18,000 nugget!

In VIC at least you need a prospectors licence from the Dept. of Primary Industry, but I don't know about WA.

mohogony

yes he might find plenty of iron ore in the Pilbara but not any gold, l don't think he knows what he is doing as l said before unless he joins a prospecting club which knows the best places to go and teaches him how to prospect l doubt he will find any gold.

mohogony

Yes he was probably experienced and doing it for years and knew the best areas to go, most people new to it buy a metal detector go bush a few times dig up nothing but rubbish and then give up.

Australia_bound?

Yes the traditional land owners wouldn't like you digging up their red dirt looking for something that simply isn't there

verystormy

As a exploration geologist in the gold industry i would say your chances in the Pilbara would be pretty slime to say the least. There are deposits there but not suitable for prospecting. As some have said, the goldfields are a better option - theres a clue in the name

There is gold to be found by prospecting and i know a couple of guys who do it. Very difficult to make a living at, but as a hobby that sometimes pays then seems good fun. Do though be aware of the laws regarding it.

paulry

Are you involved in surface exploration or are you down a mine?

verystormy

Both. This morning i will be designing underground drill proposals and this afternoon out at a regional target with a rig. Was until recently greenfields targeting but working from a mine offers better rosters. Why?