GM 1000 - How to find detectable areas in the Golden Triangle

[Pedro3141]

Hello everyone,

I’m somewhat new to detecting(I have a GM 1000) but have been panning/high banking for about two years in Melbourne, Creswick and Eldorado.

I’ve been out around 6 times for around 6-8 hours at a time to a couple of different areas in the Golden Triangle. Detected one area in Creswick which was mostly ‘pipe clay’ or a similar white material where the monster could run on max settings. The rest of the time I was mainly detecting the material in and around mine shafts in Creswick and Castlemaine.
I haven’t found a single speck of gold yet but I’ll keep trying!

I have found a plethora of lead shot and 22 casings, and some typical junk(foil, tin, hot rocks, rust nuggets, etc.). Which I am definitely expecting and would rather get a lead shot than no target at all after a couple of hours swinging.
I am confident with the machine, I can find my test nugget(0.05g) reliably in the material next to mine shafts(don’t know the technical name).
Now the question:
What’s the best way to search for areas where pipe clay(or other less ‘hot’ ground) covers the surface ? Do old prospecting maps label it in a certain way? Is it possible to search for it on Geovic? LDC Gold on YouTube shows some great areas for the monster that aren’t strictly mullock heaps or mineshaft material.

I’m planning on going out this weekend for a swing in the triangle, if anyone is feeling generous enough to message me an old spot(an area not an exact pin)that they recommend for the monster I would be very grateful. Not expecting anything because I can see how much time and effort can go into finding a spot.

Thanks.

 

[grubstake]

What’s the best way to search for areas where pipe clay(or other less ‘hot’ ground) covers the surface ? Do old prospecting maps label it in a certain way?

The original old Golden Triangle maps are full of detailed info and well worth very close study in my experience. Back in the early 80's, a friend found a tiny area labelled "Nuggets" on an ancient Maryborough map, went there and walked straight on to a patch in some river wash! Look out for anywhere labelled "White Hill/s" - there's your quiet ground.

 

[Pedro3141]

The original old Golden Triangle maps are full of detailed info and well worth very close study in my experience. Back in the early 80's, a friend found a tiny area labelled "Nuggets" on an ancient Maryborough map, went there and walked straight on to a patch in some river wash! Look out for anywhere labelled "White Hill/s" - there's your quiet ground.

Thank you for your quick response Grubstake.
Just checked a map and saw White Flat and White Hill. However both areas are not within the allowed prospecting area haha that’s unfortunate. I’ll check some other areas and some other maps.
Are there any other distinct types of ground that isn't highly mineralised/ hot ?

 

[Moneybox]

It amazes me how we're still digging up dozens of lead shot, bullets and shells and yet the gold has gone. Do people just throw their junk back? If I find gold anywhere I know I'm going back someday and I'd hate to be digging the same lumps of lead that I dug the previous year. We take anything we pick up, if it's big it usually stays behind but all the little bits go in the bumbag to be disposed of elsewhere.