old mine dumps

[grimesnm]

Can you run old mine dumps or drudge waste piles on claims

 

[Underburden]

Define "run" and on whose claim?

 

[Bodfish Mike]

Yes you can but make sure the claim owner says it' ok. IF you own the claim I say Drudge away and make it pleasant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drudge
Just having some fun -- I say go for it.

 

[winners58]

usually if you are in an area open under the mining laws (public domain) or have the mineral rights or as an agent of the owner.
unless the tailings are hand stacked rocks like by Chinese miners, some of those are designated historic structures,
if its an old mining camp find the outhouse and dig it, things fall out of miners pockets or they hide a poke where no one would think to look.
just a generalized question is hard to give an answer, some added details would be helpful,

 

[Goldwasher]

if its your claim or you have permission from the owner.

 

[RobertF]

In addition to the access part, it's worth doing research into how that particular mine processed their ore. Is this the dump from a small mine? Or a big mine? If they did cyanide leach, the tailings probably won't contain much gold. Was it just with a stamp mill and mercury plates? Might find some good stuff...

 

[SaltwaterServr]

In addition to the access part, it's worth doing research into how that particular mine processed their ore. Is this the dump from a small mine? Or a big mine? If they did cyanide leach, the tailings probably won't contain much gold. Was it just with a stamp mill and mercury plates? Might find some good stuff...

I was of the opinion too that old cyanide tails were pretty barren. Came across a few reports in the last two weeks that mentioned original processing via stamp mills and cyanide were only pulling about 53% of the assayed grade. Judging by the reports, this wasnt refractory ore either...