paddock dredging

mining

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Last updated

July 2, 2026

Quick Summary

Paddock dredging is a method of placer mining, which involves using water to excavate and recover heavy minerals from deposits. Unlike traditional methods that require proximity to a river, paddock dredging allows mining in areas not adjacent to water bodies. This is achieved by the dredge floating in a self-created pond. The pond is continuously extended by digging at one end while simultaneously backfilling with waste material at the other. This technique is particularly useful for extracting valuable minerals like gold, tin, and diamonds from unconsolidated deposits.12

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placer mining
A later method known as paddock dredging allows placer deposits to be mined even when they are not adjacent to a river. In this method the dredge floats in its own pond, which is continuously extended by digging at one end while simultaneously being filled at the other end with…
Read More
A later method known as paddock dredging allows placer deposits to be mined even when they are not adjacent to a river. In this method the dredge floats in its own pond, which is continuously extended by digging at one end while simultaneously being filled at the other end with…
Read More