Gold Prospecting (Fossicking) on New Zealand's South Island

Expert guidance for modern gold prospectors and miners

Golden Shores: Complete Guide to Gold Fossicking in New Zealand

Published: July 26, 2025 Read time: 8 minutes Gold Mining Tips Team

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Dreaming of gold fossicking in New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes? While the North Island has no public fossicking areas, the South Island offers numerous permit-free locations rich with gold history and opportunities.

Whether you're a beginner with a pan or an experienced detectorist searching for nuggets, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need: the richest regions, current regulations, essential tips, and expert advice to maximize your chances of uncovering alluvial gold in New Zealand's stunning South Island.

Key NZ Fact: All areas listed in this guide are public fossicking zones requiring no permits, provided you use only hand tools (pans, shovels, non-motorized sluices). This makes New Zealand one of the most accessible countries for recreational gold hunting!

Understanding NZ Fossicking Regulations

Legal Requirements & Restrictions

Permit-Free Fossicking: In designated Gold Fossicking Areas (GFAs), you can use hand tools without a permit. This includes pans, shovels, picks, and non-motorized sluice boxes.

Prohibited Activities: No mechanical equipment, no mining claims staking without proper permits, and no fossicking on private land without permission.

Environmental Protection: Fill all holes, remove rubbish, and minimize disturbance to riverbanks and vegetation.

What Are Gold Fossicking Areas (GFAs)?

GFAs are specific public land areas where recreational gold fossicking is permitted without needing a mining permit. These areas are managed by New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals (NZPAM) and the Department of Conservation (DOC). Each GFA has specific rules about allowed equipment and activities.

Pro Tip: Always check the latest regulations on the NZPAM website before heading out. Regulations can change, and some areas may have seasonal restrictions or temporary closures.

Top Gold Fossicking Locations on New Zealand's South Island

Here are 19 of the best gold fossicking spots across the South Island, organized by region and GFA zone:

#	Region	Site	GFA Zone	Gold Type	Notes & Highlights
1	West Coast Region	Jones Creek	GFA 4 & 5	Nuggets & coarse gold	Home to NZ's largest nugget - "Honourable Roddy" (3.7kg found at Ross)
2	West Coast Region	Lyell Creek	GFA 6	Coarse gold from Southern Alps	Tributary of Buller River, site of 1860s gold rush
3	West Coast Region	Nelson Creek	GFA 10	Rich alluvial deposits	Popular hotspot with rich gold mining history
4	West Coast Region	Moonlight Creek (DOC)	GFA 31	Coarse gold	Remote, rugged terrain in historic mining area
5	West Coast Region	Shamrock Creek (near Kumara)	--	Accessible flakes	Famed for beginner-friendly gold flakes
6	West Coast Region	Blue Spur (near Hokitika)	--	Alluvial gold	Another key West Coast hotspot
7	Otago Region	Arrow River	GFA 22	Alluvial gold	Legendary panning spot, 275g nugget found in 2024
8	Otago Region	Shotover River	GFA 23	Rich alluvial deposits	Historically one of the world's richest gold rivers
9	Otago Region	Twelve Mile Creek	GFA 20	Fine to coarse gold	Scenic panning near Queenstown
10	Otago Region	Gabriels Gully	GFA 33	Historic alluvial gold	Birthplace of Otago gold rush, beginner-friendly
11	Tasman Region	Aorere River A & B	GFA 13 & 14	Alluvial gold	Scenic prospecting in Kahurangi National Park
12	Tasman Region	New Creek	GFA 15	Moderate gold	Good access with moderate findings
13	Tasman Region	Louis Creek	GFA 12	Finer gold	Managed by Louis Creek Mining Society
14	Victoria Forest Park	Slab Hut Creek	GFA 30	Remote deposits	For adventurous prospectors seeking solitude
15	Paparoa Range	Moonlight Creek	--	Wilderness gold	Challenging but potentially rewarding
16	Family Sites	Shantytown (West Coast)	--	Tourist experience	Authentic tourist gold panning experience
17	Family Sites	Goldfields Mining Centre	--	Educational	Kawarau Gorge, lessons & panning troughs
18	Family Sites	Arrowtown Chinese Settlement	--	Historical	Historical trails with educational context
19	Family Sites	Buller Gorge Swingbridge	--	Family-friendly	Panning troughs & swingspan, great for kids

Key Gold Regions of the South Island

Understanding these major gold-bearing regions will help you choose the best area for your fossicking adventure:

West Coast Region

Ross to Greymouth

• Gold Type: Coarse gold & nuggets
• Famous Find: "Honourable Roddy" (3.7kg)
• Best For: Experienced detectorists
• Season: Late summer to autumn

This region produced New Zealand's largest gold nugget and continues to yield impressive finds for persistent prospectors.

Otago Region

Queenstown to Lawrence

• Gold Type: Alluvial river gold
• Famous Rivers: Shotover & Arrow
• Best For: Panning & sluicing
• History: 1860s gold rush heartland

The historic heart of New Zealand's gold rush, with accessible rivers and well-documented gold deposits.

Tasman Region

Kahurangi National Park

• Gold Type: Fine to moderate gold
• Key Feature: Scenic beauty
• Best For: Recreational fossicking
• Access: Well-maintained areas

Combine gold hunting with enjoying some of New Zealand's most spectacular natural scenery in this national park setting.

Expert Tips for Successful NZ Fossicking

Best Time to Go

Late Summer to Early Autumn (February-April): River levels are at their lowest, exposing bedrock and gravel bars where gold concentrates. Avoid winter months when rivers flood and conditions become dangerous.

Where Gold Hides in Rivers

Gold's high density (19 times heavier than water) means it settles in specific locations:

• Inside river bends where water slows down
• Downstream of large boulders creating low-pressure zones
• Crevices in exposed bedrock - gold works its way into cracks
• Gravel layers just above bedrock - the "pay layer"
• Confluence points where streams meet and water flow changes

DO These Things

• Test pan systematically across different areas
• Look for black sand deposits (often contains gold)
• Research old gold rush maps and records
• Sample gravel layers above bedrock
• Join a local prospecting club for insider knowledge

AVOID These Mistakes

• Panning random gravel without targeting high-probability spots
• Overloading your pan - start with half a pan for control
• Washing gold out by using too aggressive technique
• Ignoring research on geology and history
• Trespassing on private land or non-GFA areas

Essential Fossicking Gear for New Zealand

Basic Starter Kit

• Sturdy plastic gold pan (dark green/black for visibility)
• Classifying sieves (remove large rocks before panning)
• Pointed shovel & digger/pick
• Snuffer bottle (for collecting fine gold)
• Sample vials (for GFA requirements)

Safety & Comfort

• Waterproof boots with good ankle support
• Protective gloves
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers)
• Basic first aid kit

Advanced Equipment

• Non-motorized sluice box (dramatically increases processing)
• Quality metal detector (for nugget hunting)
• Gold trommel (for larger scale operations)
• Geological pick & magnifying glass
• GPS or detailed topographical maps

Gear Pro Tip: "Master panning with basic equipment before investing in detectors or sluices. The skills you learn panning will make every other method more effective. Practice with lead shot to perfect your technique without losing gold!"

The Golden Legacy: New Zealand's Gold Rush History

The South Island's landscape and towns were shaped by gold rushes that began in the 1860s. The discovery at Gabriel's Gully in Otago triggered a rush that saw 10,000 miners swarm Lawrence within a year. By 1867, an incredible 2 million ounces had been extracted from Otago alone!

The West Coast rush followed in 1864, drawing miners to rivers like the Taramakau and Grey. While alluvial gold dwindled by the 1870s, New Zealand pioneered bucket dredge technology on rivers like the Clutha (Molyneux), revolutionizing global placer mining.

Chinese miners, facing discrimination, developed remarkable skill at reworking abandoned tailings. Their preserved settlement in Arrowtown stands as testament to their contribution and is a must-visit for anyone interested in New Zealand's gold history.

Historical Insight: "Modern prospectors often find gold in areas worked by Chinese miners in the late 1800s. Their meticulous methods sometimes missed smaller gold that today's equipment can detect. Research their workings for potential overlooked deposits."

Ready for Your New Zealand Gold Adventure?

Get our complete guide to international gold prospecting, including detailed maps, season planning, and country-specific regulations for New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and more.

Get Your International Prospecting Guide

Essential NZ Fossicking Resources

These resources will help you plan a successful and legal fossicking trip:

NZPAM Regulations Official mining & fossicking regulations

All Resources Complete linktree with tools & guides

DOC Fossicking Info Department of Conservation guidelines

Video Tutorials Gold fossicking techniques & tips

Sources & References

Primary Sources: New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals (NZPAM), Department of Conservation (DOC), Historical Gold Mining Records, New Zealand Gold Prospecting & Fossicking Society.

Additional Resources: Regional council regulations, local prospecting club guidelines, geological survey maps, historical mining claim records.

© 2026 Gold Mining Tips. All rights reserved. | International gold prospecting guidance

Always Remember: Respect the land, follow all regulations, prioritize safety, and enjoy the adventure of fossicking in New Zealand's beautiful landscapes. Good luck and happy hunting!

Gold Prospecting in Desert (Dry) Regions

Gold Prospecting in Desert (Dry) Regions

Published: December 30, 2025 Read time: 6 minutes

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    by Goldminingtips Admin

Gold Prospecting in Dry Regions (Deserts)

Most gold prospecting is done in places where there is flowing water. This does make prospecting easier as the water can do the hard work of separating gold from the other material, when using a gold pan or sluice box. 

Although there are challenges with gold  prospecting in dryer regions, this is not a reason to avoid searching for gold in these types of environments.

Rich gold deposits have formed in dry regions. In this guide, we shall discuss the geological history of dry regions, the erosional forces, and how to use specialized techniques to help improve your chances of finding gold in these environments. 

Reading the Desert

When prospecting for gold in an arid terrain, doing research on the landscape to identify erosion patterns is beneficial.

These old waterways may have transported gold in the past, and trapping some of the heavier pieces of gold and / or forming rich gold deposits in the process.

In order to be successful prospecting in dry regions, you shall need to learn how to interpret the following:

Erosion Signatures:

- Differential Erosion Patterns: 

The way different rock types can erode due to natural weather erosion can provide clear indicators of where to search for gold. 

Look for areas where gold may have become lodged or trapped in the past, such as bedrock fractures, old channels, or areas where water would naturally slow down. 

- Vegetation Lines: 

Plants and soil can be used to identify areas where gold deposits may have formed. For example, in desert environments,  deep-rooted plants like willows or cottonwoods (phreatophytes) often indicate the presence of subsurface water – a clue to ancient channels (waterways) even in dry terrain.

- Cobble Fields: 

Areas with rocks that were shaped by water (water-rounded rocks) far from modern waterways is a clear  signal of ancient river / waterways worth investigating. 

These waterways may have transported gold in the past, allowing gold deposits to forn in channels or bench terraces. 

- Caliche Layers: 

These are soil or sediment layers cemented together that can preserve placer deposits by preventing gold from sinking too deep. These often appear as light-colored,
cemented horizons, and are worth investigating for the occurrence of gold. 

Resistant rock formations often indicate bedrock highs where gold may accumulate. Look for areas where softer sediments have eroded away, leaving harder outcrops exposed.

Indicator Minerals:

- Black Sands: 

The presence of black sand is a good indicator of placer gold. Magnetite (magnetic), ilmenite, and hematite share gold's high specific gravity and deposition behavior.

Concentrated black sand layers almost invariably contain gold, even if only fine gold.

- Garnet and Zircon: 

These heavy, durable minerals survive transport with gold. Garnet's deep red crystals and zircon's amber hues in desert sands signal favorable depositional environments.

- Rusty Gold: 

Look for rusty or brown stained rocks for gold content, as desert gold sometimes develops an iron oxide coating, giving it a deceptively ordinary appearance. 

Specialized Tools 

The absence of water demands specialized tools for efficient gold prospecting and recovery.

The table below provides a general overview of the types of tools that shall be useful when prospecting for gold in dry areas.

Table:
Tools of the Desert Prospector

RANK	TOOL / EQUIPMENT	EQUIPMENT  EXAMPLE	BEST FOR
1	Metal Detectors	Beginner:  - Minelab Vanquish 440 OR  - Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro Expert:   - Minelab GPZ 7000) penetrate highly mineralized desert soils	Modern gold detectors use tech suitable for targeting  gold nuggets (VLF or PI technology) in the ground in eluvial deposits or course gold in paleochannel surfaces.
2	Dry Washers	These ingenious devices use vibration and air flow to mimic the water, gravity separation technique. Material is fed into a hopper where pulsed air fluidizes the load while vibration stratifies heavies.	Dry regions where there is no presence or access to flowing water. The devices  trap gold (riffles) and dense materials. Modern models feature gas-powered blowers for efficient processing
3	Recirculating Sluice / System	Gold Well Vortex Drop Riffle Sluice Box AND Vmax VDR Sluice Systems	Ideal in regions with limited access to flowing water, or where water conservation is crucial, or even in areas with strict environmental regulations.
4	Crevicing Tools: Ice picks, screwdrivers, and stiff brushes	A cordless shop vacuum proves invaluable for removing loose material from cracks where gold settles	Allow meticulous cleaning of bedrock fractures.
5	Bedrock Scrapers and Chisels	Scraper tool and chisel	For freeing gold embedded in decomposed granite or cemented to rock surfaces where flood forces have pressed particles into crevices.

A Strategy for Desert Prospecting

1. Start with Research: 

Check historical mining records and geological survey maps for old mining activity. Miners in the past may have overlooked bench gold deposits in favour of working easier stream placers. Rich gold deposits may have formed and remained undiscovered.

2. Sample Methodically:

Sample methodically until you identify areas with a concentration of black sand. Do more sampling in these areas  to check for changes in gold particle shape and size until you find the areas with the greatest concentration of gold.

3. Bench Testing:

   - Clear overburden to expose stratified layers;
   - Sample each layer separately down to bedrock;
   - Pan-test concentrates at each level; and
   - Map gold concentration peaks vertically and laterally.

4. Dry Wash Sampling Grids: 

Using sampling grids with holes every 20-50 yards can be helpful to identify the most lucrative area to recover gold. 

Keep a record of the results to identify pay streaks or gold concentration spots.

Safety in Desert Environments 

When prospecting in arid or desert regions always remember to take certain safety precautions:

- Hydration Systems: Carry sufficient water for the time you intend to spend in the region, and ideally include electrolyte supplements.
- Temperature Management: Use shade canopies, where possible, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. 

Got questions? Drop them below!

You'll find more resources to help you find more gold here:

  All Resources

  goldminingtips@proton.me  

 

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Gold is found where it's been found before. With the right tools, equipment, and knowledge, you shall improve your prospects of finding the precious metal

DISCLAIMER - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The links to products are affiliate links that help support this blog and my other channels. 

The World’s Largest Gold Nuggets – A Treasure Hunter’s Dream

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 by Goldminingtips Admin

The Largest Gold Nuggets Ever Found

Gold nuggets have fascinated prospectors and treasure hunters for centuries. From all corners of the globe, prospectors have transformed their lives as a result of discovering large gold nuggets.  

Some of the largest gold nuggets ever found weigh hundreds of kilograms and are worth an astonishing amount of money. 

From Australia’s goldfields, to the Americas, and Russia, these gold nuggets shocked not only the finders of the nuggets, but the entire world.  

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 largest gold nuggets, their origins, and the lucky miners who unearthed them.  

Top 10 Largest Gold Nuggets in History  

Here are the biggest gold nuggets ever discovered, with details of these gigantic gold discoveries: 

Rank	Nugget Name	Weight (Troy Oz /  Kg)	Location	Year	Finder	Current Value (Est.)	Details
1	Holltermann Nugget	10053oz (285kg)	Hill End, New South Wales. Australia 🇦🇺	1872	Bernhardt Holtermann’s crew	$16,554,447*	The largest gold specimen ever found, embedded in quartz. Only 153 kg was pure gold.*
2	Welcome Stranger	3421oz (97kg)	Bulldog Gully, near Moliagul in central Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺	1869	John Deeson and Richard Oates	$11,515,086	The largest alluvial gold nugget, found just below the surface.
3	RNC Nugget	2,400 oz (95kg) and 1,600 oz (63kg)	Beta Hunt mine in Western Australia 🇦🇺	2018	RNC Minerals (now Karora Resources)	$8,078,400  Plus $5,385,600	Two massive nuggets found in the same mine within weeks.
4	Welcome Nugget	2,217oz (68.9kg)	Ballarat, Australia 🇦🇺	1858	22 Cornish miners at the Red Hill Mining Company	$7,462,422	Sold for £10,500 (£1.5 million today).
5	Pepita Canaa	1,955oz (60.82kg)	Serra Pelada mine in the state of Pará, Brazi🇧🇷	1983	Júlio de Deus Filho	$6,580,530	Largest gold nugget found in Brazil, now held by the Central Bank.
6	Monumental Nugget	1,696oz (49.5 kg)	Sierra County, California, US 🇺🇸	1869	Sierra Buttes Mine	$5,708,736	Two large nuggets found in the same region.
7	Great Triangle	1,277 oz (36.2 kg)	Miass region, Ural Mountains, Russi 🇷🇺	1842	Nikofor Syutkin	$4,298,382	Displayed in the Kremlin Armoury’s Diamond Fund
8	Golden Eagle	1,135 oz (32.177 kg)	Larconville, Australia 🇦🇺	1931	Jim Lacombe and son	$3,820,410	Found using a metal detector in an old mining area.
9	Poseidon nugget	953 oz (29.6 kg)	Tarnagulla, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺	1906	Sam Woodall, John (Jack) Condron, Frederick Eva, and George Brooks	$3,207,798	The name of the Greek god of the sea, but the nugget was named after a winning racehorse with the same name.
10	Hand of Faith	875 oz (27.21 kg)	Kingower, Australia 🇦🇺	1980	Kevin Hillier	$2,945,250	One of the largest gold nuggets found with a metal detector, now in Las Vegas.

Where Are the Best Places to Find Gold Nuggets? 

Most large gold nuggets have been found in:  

- 🇦🇺 Australia (Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales)  

- 🇧🇷 Brazil (Serra Pelada)  

- 🇺🇸 USA (California, Alaska)  

- 🇷🇺 Russia (Ural Mountains)  

Gold Prospecting Regulations  

Before hunting for gold, check local laws as the rules vary from one location to the next. The information provided is a general overview of the metal detecting requirements:

- Permits required? 

Often yes, especially on public land.  

- Metal detector rules? 

Some areas restrict their use.  

- Private land prospecting?

Always get permission.  

Essential Tools for Gold Nugget Hunting

- A good metal detector;

        Example: Gold Monster 1000 (Minelab)

- Gold pans & sluice boxes;

- Digging tools & classifiers;

- GPS & geological maps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Where was the largest gold nugget ever found?

The Holtermann Nugget (285 kg) was discovered in Hill End, Australia. 

2. Can you still find large gold nuggets today?  

Yes! The RNC Minerals nugget (95 kg) was found in 2018.  

3. What’s the best metal detector for gold? 

High-frequency detectors like the Minelab Gold Monster 1000.  

4. Is gold panning legal in Australia?

Yes, but you need a miner’s right permit.  

5. Are there undiscovered gold nuggets left?

Absolutely—many areas remain unexplored!  

Dream of finding your own gold nugget? Equip yourself with the best gold prospecting gear and start your treasure hunt today!  

Check out more metal detecting posts:

Metal Detecting Tips

When you are ready to start your gold prospecting adventure, you'll find more resources to help you find more gold here:

  Linktree: All Resources

  Questions? Email: goldminingtips@proton.me  

 

 Audio Tips: Our Podcast Spotify | Apple

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DISCLAIMER - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The links to products are affiliate links that help support this blog and my other channels. 

Gold Prospecting in South Africa: Best Spots & Tips for Striking Gold

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 by Goldminingtips Admin

Gold Prospecting in South Africa: Best Spots & Tips for Striking Gold

Home to the world’s largest gold resources and legendary discoveries, this nation offers thrilling opportunities for hobbyists and serious prospectors alike. 

From ancient riverbeds to historic mining regions, this guide reveals top locations to find gold, the legal requirements, and proven strategies to help you uncover hidden gold deposits.

Top Gold Prospecting Locations in South Africa 

Top Areas	Region	Details
1	Witwatersrand Basin (Gauteng/Free State)	The heart of South Africa’s "Golden Arc," responsible for 40% of the world’s gold. Explore old mine dumps and river systems near Johannesburg.
2	Barberton Greenstone Belt (Mpumalanga)	Famous for alluvial gold in rivers like the De Kaap. Rich in visible gold flakes and nuggets amid 3-billion-year-old rock formations.
3	Pilgrim’s Rest (Mpumalanga)	A living museum of the 1870s gold rush. Pan in the Pilgrim’s Creek with guided tours for beginners.
4	Lydenburg (Mpumalanga)	Known for the Spekboom River’s alluvial deposits. Ideal for metal detecting in historic diggings.
5	Vredefort Dome (Free State)	UNESCO World Heritage site with gold traces from meteor-impacted quartz reefs.

Gold Mining Regulations in South Africa  

- Permits Required?

  Yes! Apply for a prospecting permit via the DMRE (Department of Mineral Resources and Energy). Fines for unlicensed activities exceed R100,000.  

- Public Land Panning?  

  Restricted. Most public land requires permits. Exceptions exist in designated tourist areas like Pilgrim’s Rest.  

- Metal Detector Rules? 
  Allowed with a permit, but banned near heritage sites or active mines.  

- Environmental Rules:  

  Rehabilitate dug areas. No chemicals (e.g., mercury) in rivers. Protected zones like Kruger Park are off-limits.  

Tools & Tips for Gold Hunting in South Africa  

- Best Time: Dry winter months (May–September) for low river levels.  
- Ideal Environments:  
  - River bends with gravel beds  
  - Downstream of quartz reefs  
  - Eroded mine dump soil  
- Essential Gear:  
  - Gold pan + classifier sieve  
  - Hand sluice box  
  - Waterproof boots + snuffer bottle  
- Beginner Mistakes:  
  - Digging without landowner consent  
  - Overloading pans (focus on black sand)  
  - Ignoring fine "flour gold" in pan residue  

Gold Prospecting History in South Africa  

South Africa’s modern gold rush ignited in 1886 with George Harrison’s Witwatersrand discovery, triggering the world’s deepest mines (e.g., Mponeng, 4km deep). 

The 1870s Pilgrim’s Rest rush saw fortunes won overnight, while Barberton yielded the "Breda" nugget (224 oz). Today, abandoned mines and rivers still whisper of these eras.  

Gold Prospecting in South Africa: FAQs  

Q: Is gold prospecting legal in South Africa?
A: Yes, if you obtain right to prospect.  You can apply to the Mineral Resources department (DMRE) (South African Government) for a right to prospect.*

Q: Which rivers have gold? 
A: Vaal River (Free State), Spekboom River (Lydenburg), and De Kaap River (Barberton).  

Q: Can I find nuggets or just flakes? 
A: Both! Nuggets surface in Barberton; flakes dominate Witwatersrand.  

Q: Can I prospect on private land? 
A: Only with written landowner permission and a DMRE permit.  

Q: Best equipment for South Africa? 
A: Pans, sluices, and metal detectors for dry areas (e.g., mine dumps).  

Q: Top beginner spot?  
A: Pilgrim’s Rest—guided tours, easy access, and gold-bearing creeks.  

Got questions? Drop them below!

You'll find more resources to help you find more gold here:

  Linktree: All Resources

  Questions? Email: goldminingtips@proton.me  

 

 Audio Tips: Our Podcast Spotify | Apple

  🎥   Videos: YouTube

* Department of Mineral Resources (South African Government)

Gold is found where it's been found before. With the right tools, equipment, and knowledge, you shall improve your prospects of finding the precious metal