Gold Mining

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Return to Introduction

Placer Mining Methods

Hardrock Mining Methods

Hydraulic Mining

Gold Panning

Mining Claims

Mining Claims Map

Equipment

Bibliography


Large Scale Mining:

Hydraulic Mining

Hydraulic Mining was the quickest method of mining gold in placer deposits.
BC ARCHIVES A-04972
Hydraulic Mining at Slough Creek
Water would be carried to the mining site via canals and ditches where it would go into a hose.

The beginning of the hose was larger and higher than the other end which would have a pipe attached to it, so the weight of the water going into the hose would force it out the other end at great pressure. It was like mining using a fire engine hose, as the jet of water would cut into the hillside, washing the dirt and gravel down into a sluice box. It is important to note, however; that this method of mining, due to the scale of production and speed of extraction, had vast environmental impacts.

(BC Archives: C-09318)
Hydraulic Mining on Lowhee Creek
(BC Archives: C-09318)
(BC Archives: H-02755)
Hydraulic Mining on Lowhee Creek
(BC Archives: H-02755)
(BC Archives: A-03833)
Hydraulic Mining at Stout's Gultch
(BC Archives: A-03833)
(BC Archives: A-05318)
Hydraulic Operation on Thibert Creek
(BC Archives: A-05318)
(BC Archives: E-02833)
Hydraulic Operation on Pine Creek
(BC Archives: E-02833)
(BC Archives: A-03712)
Hydraulic Mining on Wild Horse Creek
(BC Archives: A-03712)

Hardrock Mining Mining Claims


Last updated November 30, 1998.
Produced by Steven Davies and the Schoolnet Digital Collections Team.