Valuable advice on the best locations to find gold in Western Australia using metal detectors

Some of the best locations to find gold can be found in Western Australia. Western Australia is known for its rich gold mining history, and there are several regions within the state where using metal detectors to find gold can be productive. However, it’s important to note that gold prospecting regulations and access to certain areas may vary, so be sure to obtain the necessary permits and follow local laws before conducting any prospecting activities.  

best locations to find gold

Gold prospecting using a metal detector around Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia can be quite rewarding, and there are several areas with a history of gold discoveries that may be suitable for this activity. Here are some of the best locations to consider for gold prospecting with a metal detector:

A. BEST LOCATIONS TO FIND GOLD

1.Golden Mile, Kalgoorlie-Boulder: This historic gold-bearing belt, including the famous Super Pit, has yielded significant quantities of gold over the years. While the Super Pit itself may not be accessible for metal detecting due to modern mining operations, there are still plenty of areas within Kalgoorlie-Boulder and its outskirts where you can prospect. Focus on the old mine dumps, tailings, and areas with a history of gold production.

2. Coolgardie: Coolgardie and its surrounding areas, such as Fly Flat and Siberia, were among the first to experience the Western Australian gold rush. Many small historic mines and gold-bearing patches are scattered throughout the region. You can explore the old diggings, dry creek beds, and gullies with a metal detector.

3. Laverton: Laverton and its vicinity have been productive gold mining areas for decades. The region has a mix of old and modern mining operations, so be sure to follow local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions. Look for areas with known gold occurrences and check with local prospecting clubs for advice.

4. Leonora: Like Laverton, Leonora has a rich gold mining history and offers opportunities for metal detecting around old mining sites, abandoned shafts, and dry washes. Joining a local prospecting club can provide valuable insights into the best locations.

5. Menangina: This area, not far from Leonora, has historical gold workings, making it a potential spot for metal detecting. Always obtain landowner permission and adhere to local prospecting regulations.

6. Ora Banda: Located west of Kalgoorlie, Ora Banda has a history of gold mining, and remnants of old mining activity may still be present. Be sure to obtain landowner consent before prospecting in this area.

7. Kambalda: While Kambalda is known for nickel mining, it has also produced gold. Check historical records and maps for known gold occurrences and try your luck with a metal detector in these areas.

8. Gwalia: Gwalia, near Leonora, was home to the historic Gwalia Mine, which produced substantial amounts of gold. Explore the area around the old mine site and nearby gullies for potential finds.

 

Always research the specific regulations and requirements for metal detecting and prospecting in these areas, as rules may vary depending on land ownership and environmental considerations. Joining a local prospecting club or seeking advice from experienced prospectors can be invaluable in identifying promising locations and ensuring you’re following all the necessary rules and safety guidelines. Additionally, be respectful of private property and the environment while prospecting.

B. IMPORTANT ADVICE BEFORE YOU START PROSPECTING

1. Research and Permission:

Start by researching the specific regulations and requirements for gold prospecting in Western Australia. You may need to obtain a permit or permission from the relevant authorities.

Check if the land you plan to prospect on is private or Crown land, as different rules may apply.

2. Historical Goldfields:

Consider targeting areas with a known history of gold mining, as these locations are more likely to have gold deposits. Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the surrounding region are famous for their gold mining history.

3. Geological Knowledge:

Study the geological maps of the region to understand the rock formations and potential gold-bearing areas. Look for areas with quartz veins, ironstone, and other indicators of gold.

4. Metal Detector Selection:

Invest in a quality metal detector that is suitable for gold prospecting. Minelab is an Australian company known for producing detectors specifically designed for gold hunting.

5. Join a Prospecting Club:

Consider joining a local prospecting club or association. They often have experienced members who can offer guidance and access to private prospecting areas.

6. Online Resources:

Explore online forums, websites, and social media groups dedicated to gold prospecting in Western Australia. These can be valuable sources of information, including tips on promising locations.

7. Detecting Techniques:

Learn the proper metal detecting techniques for gold prospecting. This includes understanding ground balance, discrimination settings, and target ID features on your detector.

8. Safety and Preparation:

Be prepared for remote and challenging conditions. Bring plenty of water, appropriate clothing, navigation tools, and communication devices. Tell someone your plans and estimated return time.

9. Environmental Considerations:

Be mindful of the environment and local flora and fauna. Follow Leave No Trace principles and prospect responsibly.

10. Ask Locals:

When you arrive in the area, consider asking local residents or experienced prospectors for advice. They may be willing to share their knowledge about good prospecting spots.

CONCLUSION

Remember that gold prospecting can be a time-consuming and uncertain pursuit, and there are no guarantees of finding significant amounts of gold. However, with patience, persistence, and the right knowledge, you may uncover some hidden treasures in the Western Australian Goldfields. Always respect local laws and regulations and practice ethical prospecting.

Minelab SDC 2300 metal detector product review. Important facts you need to know.

In this review, I’ll be delving into the features, specifications, and user feedback regarding the Minelab SDC 2300 metal detector. While I haven’t personally owned the product, I’ve extensively researched it to provide you with valuable insights.

The product is a specialized metal detector designed for gold prospecting in highly mineralized ground conditions, and it offers several features that set it apart from other metal detectors. It was was designed with portability and ruggedness in mind, as it is primarily used for prospecting in challenging terrains, including deserts and streams.

Minelab SDC 2300

The reason why I am reviewing this product is that I believes it solves problems that many part time gold prospectors face. How do we pursue our gold prospecting hobby by buying a metal detector that has all the features that we need to achieve our object of finding gold without paying too much for the detecting devices? As you would know there are many brands of metal detectors on the market ranging in price from less than $100 to upwards of $7000 so which one provides the best value to the part time gold prospector who requires special features? I believe the Minelab SDC 2300 metal detector ( pictured above ) has a number of unique features which may be of interest to gold prospectors.

The reasons for this are shown on the following pages

A. RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

I’ve scoured various reliable sources, including expert reviews, customer feedback, and product specifications, to gather a comprehensive understanding of the Minelab SDC 2300 metal detector.

This approach allows me to present you with a well-rounded assessment of its performance and features. Here is what I discovered about this.

B. OVERVIEW OF THE MINELAB SCD 2300 METAL DETECTOR

  • Compact Design: The Minelab SDC 2300 features a compact and ergonomic design, making it easy to handle and carry during prospecting expeditions.
  • Control Box: It has a control box with a display screen and buttons for adjusting settings and viewing essential information such as depth and battery life.
  • Adjustable Shaft: The metal detector typically includes an adjustable shaft that allows users to customize the length to their preference, making it suitable for different users and situations.
  • Search Coil: It comes with a specialized search coil optimized for gold prospecting. The coil is usually waterproof and designed to detect small gold nuggets in mineralized soils.
  • Armrest and Hand Grip: The metal detector usually features an armrest and a comfortable hand grip for extended use and stability while searching.

Build Quality:

The Minelab SDC 2300 is known for its robust build quality, which is essential for the demanding conditions often encountered in gold prospecting:

  • Durability: It is constructed with durable materials designed to withstand rough handling and exposure to the elements.
  • Waterproof: The metal detector is typically waterproof up to a certain depth, which is an important feature for prospectors who search in rivers, streams, and wet environments.
  • Shock Resistance: It is engineered to be shock-resistant to ensure it can endure accidental drops or impacts during field use.
  • Coil Strength: The search coil is constructed to be rugged and able to withstand the wear and tear associated with metal detecting in challenging terrain.

Packaging:

The packaging of the Minelab SDC 2300 typically includes the following components:

  • Metal Detector Unit: The main metal detector unit is securely packed and protected within the packaging.
  • Coil Assembly: The search coil is typically disassembled for packaging but is easy to assemble upon receipt.
  • Control Box and Accessories: The control box, headphones (if included), charging equipment, and other accessories are neatly organized within the packaging.
  • User Manual: A comprehensive user manual is usually provided to guide users through setup, operation, and maintenance.
  • Carrying Case: Some packages include a sturdy carrying case to transport and store the metal detector and its components safely.

C. FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Best Features:

  1. Compact and Portable: .The SDC 2300 is known for its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and use in remote, rugged terrain and challenging environments.
  2. Waterproof Design: The SDC 2300 is fully waterproof and submersible up to 10 feet (3 meters), making it ideal for detecting in streams, rivers, and other water bodies. This waterproof capability adds versatility to your prospecting activities.
  3. Pulse Induction Technology: Unlike traditional VLF (Very Low Frequency) metal detectors, the SDC 2300 uses Pulse Induction (PI) technology, which provides exceptional depth and sensitivity to small gold nuggets and targets, even in highly mineralized ground. PI detectors are highly effective in finding gold in areas with high mineralization, hot rocks, and saltwater beaches, as they are less affected by ground mineralization.
  4. Built-In Amplifier: The detector features a built-in amplifier that enhances weak target signals, allowing you to detect even the faintest signals from small or deep targets.
  5. Quick Ground Balancing: The SDC 2300 offers a simplified automatic ground balance system that quickly adjusts to the mineralization of the ground, reducing interference and false signals.
  6. Rugged Construction: This metal detector is built to withstand tough conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and rough handling. Its durability is well-suited for prospecting in remote and challenging environments.
  7. Easy-to-Use Interface: The SDC 2300 features a simple and intuitive user interface with minimal controls, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced prospectors. It has a visual display for target identification and depth indication.
  8. Minelab’s Multi-Period Sensing (MPS) Technology: The SDC 2300 uses Minelab’s proprietary MPS technology, which enhances its ability to detect a wide range of targets, including small and deep targets.
  9. Compact Search Coil: The detector comes with a small 8-inch waterproof search coil, which allows for precise targeting and maneuverability in tight spaces.

Potential Drawbacks:

  1. Single Frequency Operation: The SDC 2300 operates at a fixed frequency, which means it might not offer the versatility of detectors with adjustable frequencies for different conditions.
  2. Lack of Discrimination: The SDC 2300 lacks traditional target discrimination features found in many detectors. It’s designed primarily for finding gold and small targets, so it doesn’t offer the ability to filter out unwanted targets like coins or trash.
  3. Price Point: The SDC 2300 is positioned in a higher price range, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious prospectors.
  4. Limited Coil Options: The SDC 2300 comes with a single 8″ round mono coil, and as of my last update, there weren’t a wide variety of aftermarket coil options available for this model. This could affect your ability to customize the detector’s performance.
  5. Learning Curve: While the SDC 2300 is user-friendly compared to some high-end detectors, newcomers to metal detecting might still need some time to learn how to interpret signals effectively and optimize settings for different conditions.

D. PERFORMANCE

Here are some key factors that contribute to its effectiveness in detecting small targets, especially gold nuggets:

  1. High Sensitivity: The SDC 2300 is known for its high sensitivity to small metal objects. It can detect gold nuggets of varying sizes, from tiny flakes to larger pieces, depending on their depth and composition.

  2. Compact Search Coil: The metal detector is equipped with a specialized compact search coil that is optimized for detecting small targets in mineralized soils. This coil design allows for precise and sensitive detection.

  3. Pulse Induction Technology: The SDC 2300 uses pulse induction (PI) technology, which is particularly effective at finding small, deep targets. PI technology is less affected by highly mineralized soil and is well-suited for gold prospecting.

  4. Ground Balancing: The detector typically features automatic ground balancing or manual ground balancing settings. This helps eliminate interference from mineralized soils, allowing it to focus on detecting small metal targets.

  5. Audio Feedback: The detector provides clear and distinctive audio feedback for different types of targets. This allows experienced users to distinguish between signals from small gold nuggets and other metallic objects.

  6. Waterproof Design: The SDC 2300 is waterproof, which means it can be used in shallow water or wet environments where gold may be found. This feature further enhances its versatility in detecting small targets.

  7. Precision and Depth: Users have reported finding small gold nuggets at impressive depths with the SDC 2300. Its combination of sensitivity and depth penetration makes it effective for both shallow and deep prospecting.

E. PORTABILITY AND STORAGE

Here are some of its key features related to portability and storage:

  1. Compact and Lightweight Design: The SDC 2300 is known for its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and carry around, even in remote or difficult-to-access locations. It is designed for one-handed operation, which adds to its portability.

  2. Collapsible Design: The metal detector features a collapsible design that allows you to shorten its length for even more convenient storage and transportation. This is especially useful for backpacking or when space is limited. Folds to small portable size, 8.5” (216mm) by 15.7” (400mm).  Fits into carry-on luggage and most backpacks

  3. Waterproof Capability: The SDC 2300 is fully submersible in water up to a depth of 10 feet (3 meters). This feature makes it suitable for detecting in streams, rivers, or other water bodies. Its waterproof design also ensures easy cleaning and maintenance.

  4. Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery: It comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, which is generally more convenient and cost-effective than disposable batteries. The battery pack is also compact and lightweight, contributing to the overall portability of the device.

  5. Rugged Construction: The detector is built to withstand rough handling and harsh environmental conditions. Its rugged construction ensures durability during outdoor adventures.

  6. Carry Bag or Case: Many retailers offer optional carrying bags or cases designed specifically for the SDC 2300. These accessories help protect the detector during transportation and provide additional storage space for accessories like headphones, spare coils, and digging tools.

  7. Quick Assembly: The SDC 2300 is designed for quick and easy assembly, making it convenient to set up and start detecting without wasting much time.

F. BATTERY LIFE AND POWER SUPPLY

The Minelab SDC 2300 Metal Detector is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, it typically comes with a rechargeable battery pack. Here are some details about the battery life and power supply:

Battery Life:

  • The battery life of the SDC 2300 can vary depending on factors such as the operating conditions, settings, and usage patterns. In general, users can expect the battery to last for several hours of continuous use.
  • On average, users have reported approximately 8 to 12 hours of operation on a single charge.
  • Keep in mind that using certain features, such as the backlight or operating the detector in extreme conditions, may impact battery life.

Rechargeable Battery:

  • The metal detector is equipped with a custom-built, high-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack.
  • The rechargeable battery pack is designed to be long-lasting and can be recharged multiple times.
  • Charging the battery pack typically takes a few hours, and it can be done using the included charger.

Power Supply:

  • The SDC 2300 can be charged using the supplied charger, which is designed to plug into a standard AC power outlet.
  • Some users also choose to carry spare battery packs to extend their detecting time in the field.
  • The metal detector’s control box is equipped with a battery level indicator to help users monitor the remaining battery life.

G. EXPERT OPINIONS

Reputable experts in the field have weighed in on the Minelab SDC metal detector as well. Here are some that I reviewed:-

  1. Detector Prospector
  2. Nugget Shooter
  3. Gold Prospecting WA
  4. Outback Prospector

This external perspective lends credibility to the product’s performance claims.

H. COMPARISON WITH OTHER SIMILAR FEATURE PRODUCTS

The Minelab SDC 2300 and the Garrett ATX are the models that are designed to be used in water or wet environments. These detectors have waterproof features that make them suitable for both shallow water and underwater metal detecting. Here’s more information about their waterproof capabilities:

  1. Minelab SDC 2300:
    • Waterproof Rating: The Minelab SDC 2300 is known for its waterproof design. It is rated to be fully submersible up to 10 feet (3 meters). This makes it ideal for use in rivers, streams, and other shallow water environments.
    • Waterproof Coil: The search coil of the SDC 2300 is waterproof, allowing you to fully immerse it in water without compromising its performance.
  2. Garrett ATX:

    • Waterproof Rating: The Garrett ATX is another metal detector suitable for underwater use. It is rated as waterproof up to 10 feet (3 meters), making it suitable for both wet sand and underwater metal detecting.
    • Submersible Headphones: The Garrett ATX typically comes with submersible headphones, allowing you to hear signals while submerged underwater.

These two detectors are excellent choices if you plan to do metal detecting in and around water. They are built to withstand wet conditions and offer the versatility needed for various environments, including beaches, riverbanks, and underwater locations.

I. BRAND REPUTATION

Minelab is a reputable brand in the metal detecting industry, known for producing quality detectors

J. VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICE

The Minelab SDC 2300 can offer excellent value for money if it aligns with your primary metal detecting goals, particularly if you’re focused on gold prospecting in challenging terrains. Its performance, durability, and specialized features make it a valuable tool for the right user. However, if your interests are more diverse or if you’re on a limited budget, there may be other metal detectors that offer better value for your specific needs. Ultimately, it’s essential to consider your individual requirements and conduct thorough research before making a purchase.

Amazon current price for this product is $3399

If interested I recommend you visit the Amazon site and search for this specific model

minelab sdc 2300

 
 
K. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

  1. Warranty Information:

    • Minelab often provides a limited warranty for their metal detectors, including the SDC 2300. This is currently 3 years on control box and coil.
    • The warranty period can vary by region and may be subject to specific terms and conditions.
    • It’s important to register your product with Minelab to activate the warranty, and you should keep a copy of the warranty documentation for reference.
  2. Customer Support:

    • Minelab typically offers customer support services to assist users with product inquiries, troubleshooting, and technical assistance.
    • You can reach out to Minelab’s customer support team through their official website or by contacting authorized Minelab dealers.
  3. Notable Accessories:

    • The Minelab SDC 2300 package may include a set of accessories to enhance your metal detecting experience. These can vary by package and region but may include items such as:
      • Rechargeable battery pack and charger: To power the detector.
      • Headphones: For clear audio feedback while detecting.
      • Control box cover: To protect the control box from dirt and moisture.
      • Search coil cover: To protect the search coil from wear and tear.
      • Carrying case or backpack: To transport and store the metal detector and its components.
      • Instruction manual: To guide you through setup, operation, and maintenance.
  4. Training and Resources:

    • Minelab often provides educational materials, including user manuals and online resources, to help users get the most out of their metal detectors.
    • They may offer training videos, guides, and tips on their official website or through their authorized dealers.
  5. Updates and Firmware:

    • Minelab occasionally releases firmware updates for their metal detectors to enhance performance and add new features. Check for firmware updates on the Minelab website or through authorized dealers.

L. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the Minelab SDC 2300 metal detector appears to be a positively received product based on my research. Its strong points ( best features noted above ) contribute to its appeal, but potential buyers should also consider the potentially worst features ( also noted above ).  However its cost may be a factor in influencing a decision to buy a less expensive product with similar features such as the Garrrett ATX as mentioned above. Keep in mind that individual experiences may vary with the product.

Product review of the popular Fisher Gold Bug Pro

In this review, I’ll be delving into the features, specifications, and user feedback regarding the Fisher Gold Bug Pro metal detector. While I haven’t personally owned the product, I’ve extensively researched it to provide you with valuable insights.

The reason why I am reviewing this product is that I believes it solves problems that many part time gold prospectors face. How do we pursue our gold prospecting hobby by buying a metal detector that has all the features that we need to achieve our object of finding small gold nuggets without paying too much for the device? As you would know there are many brands of metal detectors on the market ranging in price from less than $100 to upwards of $7000 so which one provides the best value to the part time gold prospector? I believe the Fisher Gold Bug Pro metal detector ( pictured below ) is the one.

Product review of the popular Fisher Gold Bug Pro

The reasons for this are shown on the following pages