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Gold Hunting Hazard Awareness: Staying Safe in the Field

More than just a hobby, gold prospecting is an exciting journey. But like any other activity, there is risk alongside prospecting, especially when you visit remote areas. At Lucky Strike Gold we know how important it is to maintain your safety while following your gold-hunting hobby. That’s why, in this article, we’ll go over important safety advice to make sure your gold-hunting adventures are both thrilling and safe.

Understanding the Risks

Before embarking on any gold-hunting adventure, it’s essential to understand the potential risks involved. Probably one of the most common dangers in gold prospecting is uneven ground and unstable surfaces, I remember the time when I narrowly avoided a serious fall while navigating through rocky terrain, only by staying alert and using proper footwear, did I manage to maintain my balance and prevent any injuries.

Additionally, environmental factors such as extreme weather conditions can pose significant threats. Whether it’s scorching heat or torrential rain, make sure you are well prepared for adverse weather and uneven terrain by taking the time to research your chosen location’s terrain and potential hazards. 

At Lucky Strike Gold, we always emphasise the importance of packing essential safety gear, including a first aid kit, navigation tools, and communication devices. These items can make all the difference in an emergency, providing peace of mind as you explore the great outdoors.

Safety Protocols in the Field

Once in the field, it’s essential to establish clear communication and emergency plans with fellow prospectors or the local police (if prospecting in outback Australia). It doesn’t matter whether you’re exploring alone or in a group, having a designated meeting point and means of contact should not be neglected. Furthermore, make sure you follow safe digging practices to avoid injuries and property damage. Always exercise caution when using tools like picks and shovels, and be mindful of your surroundings to prevent accidents.

In addition to physical safety, it’s essential to consider the impact of your prospecting activities on the environment. As caretakers of the land, we must prioritise environmental conservation and sustainable practices. This means minimising disturbances to the ground – fill your holes in – and adhering to local regulations regarding prospecting activities. Just by respecting the natural world, we can enjoy our gold-hunting adventures responsibly and ensure that future generations can do the same.

Encountering wildlife is an inevitable part of any outdoor adventure, and gold hunting is no exception. From curious critters to potentially dangerous animals, you must know how to react to wildlife encounters. Keep a safe distance from animals, especially snakes and avoid disturbing their natural habitat. If you do encounter wildlife, remain calm and slowly back away without making any sudden movements. 

Recommended equipment:

The importance of having the right equipment, which not only ensures your safety but also maximises your potential for finding gold, cannot be overstated. Below are some recommended items available items that we advise every gold prospector to consider:

 

Contact Us Today

At Lucky Strike Gold, we’re committed to providing the equipment and support you need to stay safe in the field, whether you’re a beginner looking to get started in metal detecting or an experienced enthusiast seeking the next big find, call us at 03 5221 5400 or [email protected] to find out what equipment and support you need for a safe and fun gold-hunting experience.

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Prospecting for Gold in the Outback: A Guide to Best Practices

There are hidden treasures to be found in the wide open spaces of outback landscapes for those who have the curiosity and perseverance to look for them. Gold is one of the most sought-after treasures because it is a rare and expensive metal. When prospectors in the outback are prepared with the appropriate equipment and information, finding gold can be a thrilling journey. We’ll delve into the realm of outback prospecting in this guide and offer crucial success strategies, such as how to use gold detectors.

Recognising Prospecting in the Outback

Prospecting for gold in arid areas where erosion has revealed mineral veins and bedrock is known as outback prospecting. Prospectors must be resilient and well-prepared for these areas because they are frequently remote and difficult to navigate. Although outback prospecting has its share of challenges—such as intense heat and difficult terrain—the potential rewards make the endeavour worthwhile.

The Function of Metal Detectors

The gold detector is one of the most important tools for prospectors in the outback. These specialist tools are intended to find gold deposits and nuggets hidden beneath the earth’s surface. Prospectors can concentrate their efforts on areas that show promise by using gold detectors that have sensitive sensors and advanced technology to differentiate between different types of metals.

Selecting the Appropriate Gold Detector

It is important to take into account aspects like sensitivity, depth range, and user-friendliness when choosing a gold detector. Seek out models made especially for prospecting in the outback; these are tuned to find minute gold nuggets in difficult-to-reach areas. Renowned manufacturers of high-quality gold detectors, such as Minelab, Garrett, and Deus, provide a variety of models to accommodate varying budgets and proficiency levels.

Tips for Successful Gold Detection

Planning and Research

Before embarking on your prospecting journey, thoroughly investigate any possible gold-bearing regions. For insightful information, check out historical documents, prospecting clubs in your area, and geological maps.

Employ the Right Technique

When using a gold detector, move slowly and steadily while following a methodical pattern to sweep the coil. Keep an ear out for clear indications of the presence of gold, as well as minute variations in tone and intensity.

Target High-Probability Areas

Concentrate your efforts on regions like riverbeds, dry washes, and exposed bedrock where gold is most likely to be found. Seek out remnants of past mining operations, such as piles of tailings and old diggings.

Remain Persistent

Prospecting in the outback demands endurance and patience. Dry spells shouldn’t deter you from continuing to learn new things and hone your skills.

Respect the Environment

When prospecting in outback areas, always abide by local laws and environmental regulations. Respect the fragile ecosystem and leave no trace of your visit.

Get In Contact

Prospecting in the outback presents a singular chance to discover the elusive gold treasure amidst the vastness of arid landscapes. With the correct equipment, such as high-quality gold detectors, and smart strategies, you can improve your chances of succeeding in this exciting endeavor. To view our range of detectors, visit our website or call us on 03 5221 5400 or email [email protected]

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What Can Metal Detectors Be Used For?

What are metal detectors?

Metal detectors are devices that are used to detect the presence of metals nearby. They do this through the projection of certain electromagnetic waves using a sensor probe, which is disrupted by the field around metal and then sent back to the detector. The detector then gives off a signal – either through the blinking of an LED, or the increase in tonal frequency and pitch in headphones. Some detectors also measure the depth of metal and indicate these on digital screens attached to the metal detectors.

The utility of metal detectors

Metal detectors are such a huge part of the operational procedures of almost every organization and field of stature in the present world. Think airports, banks and government offices; even on a grand scale, metal detectors are still being used to detect metal in the most crucial ways. As we know it, the security apparatus of most countries would crumble should metal detectors cease to exist today.

 

Let’s take it down a notch though; let’s consider simple metal detectors like pulse induction detectors, VLF detectors, and Multi-Frequency detectors. Although they may not seem as consequential as metal detectors used for security reasons in mainstream fields, they are just as important and even more useful in most cases. Below is a small list of things metal detectors are also typically used for;

 

  • Treasure hunting

Believe it or not, treasure hunting is a very popular, very lucrative field. While it may not be as stable or as promising as your regular nine-to-five job, whipping out the gold detector and trying your luck in odd places is one way to carve your way to financial independence. 

 

If you are sceptical about how profitable treasure hunting can get, do a bit of research on the Boot of Cortez, the Ringlemere Cup, the Crosby Garrett Helmet, and the Hand of Faith. Each of these are treasures that were found by unsuspecting folks doing simple metal detecting, and each was sold for over six figures (some of them were sold for over a million dollars even). 

 

The most fascinating thing about this field is that anyone can be a winner. A boy in New Mexico unearthed – with a simple metal detector built by his grandfather – a meteor piece that had been on earth for about 10,000 years. You do not have to empty your wallets on an overpriced metal detector to strike gold (literally!). Treasure hunting is a field for everyone and anyone. It may not be to your taste, but it is definitely an option worth exploring with a metal detector. 

  • Archaeology

To the dilettante, this is basically just a subset (or a composite of, if we’re being pedantic) treasure hunting. After all, a lot of research facilities, governments, and collectors would love to get their hands on every and any bit of history they could hope to find. To the expert though, this line of thought is heretic at best, a dismissal of the years of study and research that goes into the art of identifying, excavating and preserving historical artefacts for posterity’s sake. 

 

Regardless of whichever group you belong to, metal detectors would make the job easier. Ever since the 1950s, this device has been considered a standard requirement for the excavation of archaeological sites. As a survey tool, its presence on the field means that archaeologists would find it easy to unearth jewellery, ancient domestic utensils, jars, etc. You aren’t likely to find an expert in the field who doesn’t have experience using the best metal detectors.

  • In the military

Being in the military means consistently putting yourself in danger – one of the many occupational hazards of being a soldier is not being sure of where to even walk due to the installation of mines on territorial premises. Military dogs actually detect these things, but the casualty rate isn’t too encouraging even at that. The best way to avoid these dangers is to use a metal detector. It would help to detect the metal casing of the mines before you even get to them. 

 

Metal detectors are also used by the military for security reasons (like in airports and banks), but those are, of course, different from the hobbyist metal detector hires online. 

  • As a hobby

The art of metal detection does not need to be limited to a career or a goal. Sometimes it can be an outlet for people to revel in – a time when the headphones are on and the comforting but consistent beep of the metal detector is only interrupted by proximity to a potential score. 

 

You can also decide to tie it in with another hobby like scrap collecting or metal identification. The possibilities are endless and the sky’s the limit. You exercise your body by walking around and relaxing your mind by letting yourself focus on one thing only. You would find at the end of the day that the benefits you are getting by choosing to do prospects are immense. What’s more, there are metal detectors for sale online that fit your every need.

  • Underwater excavation

Yes, there are metal detectors that work underwater. Although they are mostly used by construction companies to locate pipelines and undersea cables, scuba divers with an interest in undersea metals and marine biologists also use them too. 

 

These underwater metal detectors are, of course, waterproof. Most are also able to adjust the search depth of the electromagnetic waves that are emitted by the sensor. These devices aren’t as expensive as you might think too – you could easily cop one for around $700 to $800. 

Metal detectors are also used in mining and construction, for obvious reasons. These devices are very versatile in their utility. 

 

Wrapping Up

If you are looking to cop for yourself the best metal detectors for gold, head on to Lucky Strike Gold and go through our assortment of options. If you need help in picking, feel free to contact us using our contact information. We look forward to helping you pick the best gold detectors Australia has to offer. Contact us today for your purchases and hires.