Alluvial Mining - Gold, Diamonds and Platinum

Mining & Minerals - Evaluations / Other Metals

Date posted: 01/19/16

Alluvial mining is an old technology, but it is still fairly common today. Some mining companies use the technique, though it is more often a source of income for individual laborers in areas like Africa and South America. Alluvial mining is the mining of stream bed deposits (also known as alluvial deposits) for minerals. These alluvial deposits are formed when minerals are eroded from their source, and then transported by water to a new locale. When the sediments are deposited, they settle according to their weight, with heavier, more valuable minerals like gold, diamonds and platinum often being deposited at the same time. Alluvial mining can be a very simple process. For instance, the U.S. Geological Survey explains that the small-scale alluvial mining that is undertaken by individual laborers involves digging and sifting through mud, sand and gravel using shovels sieves, or even bare hands. However, with simplicity comes disadvantages, these operations are not very productive, lack safety and tend to have a high environmental impact. They are also often outside the legal and regulatory framework. Of course, alluvial mining can also be done more efficiently and more safely by mining companies. That said, with most miners focused on larger deposits, the process is less common. Loose gold-bearing sediment is understandably the preference of individual laborers, while consolidated deposits require the capital and force of mining companies. It is fairly uncommon to hear about alluvial gold mining companies, but one example is Brazil Minerals, which operates the largest alluvial processing plant for diamonds and gold in Latin America. Around 10% of the world rough diamonds are produced through industrial alluvial mining, while another 14% are uncovered by individuals using small-scale alluvial mining techniques. Alluvial diamond mining is particularly prevalent in Africa, for De Beers. Such mining for platinum comes from Russia...etc.