Great article. After the California and Klondike gold rushes of the 1800’s, most Americans forgot that the first big gold rushes were here in the East. In fact, the first United States mints were in Charlotte, NC and Dahlonega, GA because of their proximities to the gold fields.
I've found small flakes of gold literally right on the side of the Highway 140 going to Yosemite, by the creeks on the side of it. Wouldn't be surprised if the highway itself is built under a lot of gold too.
I've always wondered how much gold is still on the floor of a mine. I'm not sure if it's different in a mine where it's ounces per ton vs. pounds per ton but I was taught to use the fines in a muck pile for my road while doing road work.
Are they hauling in road base or using part of the muck pile for good roads in a gold/ silver mine?