ground sluicing
Quick Summary
A ground sluice is a channel or trough in the ground used for placer mining. In this process, auriferous earth (earth containing gold) is washed through the channel. This technique is a specialized method for mining natural placers and artificial ones, such as tailings piles.12
Ground sluicing utilizes a natural flow of water to break down and transport the material. As the water and placer dirt move through an inclined sluice box, riffles within the box agitate the current. This action prevents lighter materials from settling while retaining heavier, valuable minerals like gold. This method is suitable for various deposits and can be used in conjunction with other techniques like hydraulicking, where a high-pressure water stream excavates the material.23
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