Alluvial mining is an ancient technology. The early gold-panners were alluvial miners. Although somewhat archaic, small scale alluvial mining operations are still common, both as a hobby and as a source of income, in areas of Africa and South America. Alluvial mining has also morphed into a big business involving cutting edge technology and a great deal of capital investment.
Alluvium refers to sediment that is transported and deposited by water. Alluvium is found in rivers, lakes and along coastlines. In the case of alluvium transported by an ancient stream, alluvium can also be found in a terrestrial environment. The alluvial process can transport, and concentrate, valuable minerals. Over thousands of years, minerals are eroded from their source and transported by water to a new locale. Because sediments settle out of water according to their weight, heavier, valuable minerals such as diamonds, platinum group metals, and gold will often deposit at the same time, this characteristic can lead to a concentrated deposit of valuable minerals, prime for extraction.
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Techniques
Alluvial Mining for Diamonds
Alluvial Mining for Gold
Alluvial Mining for Platinum