How To Try Your Luck Gold Prospecting With A Metal Detector

Speaking to The Project, Digger Dave, a gold expert and TV host who runs the Miners Den in Bendigo, says he’s busier than ever with people wanting to try their luck gold prospecting.

“Gold is everywhere,” says Dave. “I don’t think people realise how easy it is to walk out in the gold field, wave your detector around with the newest equipment, and go home with gold.

“The popularity of these machines is incredible. I haven’t seen it this busy for a long time. The latest gear is walking out the door.”

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Types of metal detectors

Before donning your khakis and purchasing a metal detector, it’s good to understand the different types of metal detectors.

Dave also hosts The MineLab show, where he shares industry news, top tips and equipment about gold prospecting.

Coin and relic detectors vs gold metal detectors

He says there are two types of metal detectors: coin and relic detectors, also known as VLF and Gold detectors and Multi Period Sensing (MPS) or Zero Voltage Transmission (ZVT).

If the aim of your game is to find gold, then you’ll want a metal detector with technology designed to penetrate mineralised soil, like this one and this one.

Coin and relic detectors will pick up gold if it’s close to the surface, except you’ll also get a lot of false signals.

And while you can use a gold detection machine for coin and relic hunting, it will also pick up every ring pull, bobby pin and nail. Coin and relic machines are great at knocking out junk.

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Metal detector coils

Before buying a metal detector, it’s essential to understand the types of coils and their sizes. Doing so can help you make an informed decision when choosing a metal detector for gold prospecting and optimise your chances of success in finding gold.

Coil types

When it comes to metal detectors for gold prospecting, a few different types of coils are commonly used. The coil, also known as the search coil or the search head, is an essential part of the metal detector that emits and receives electromagnetic signals to detect metal objects, including gold.

Concentric Coils: Concentric coils are one of the most common types found on metal detectors. Concentric coils provide good target separation, allowing you to discriminate between different metals, and they generally perform well in areas with moderate mineralisation.

Double-D (DD) Coils: Double-D coils, also known as wide scan or elliptical coils, have two overlapping D-shaped windings. They offer better depth penetration and stability in challenging ground conditions, making them suitable for searching in mineral-rich environments.

Mono Coils: Mono coils, short for mono loop coils, consisting of a single winding in a loop configuration. They are known for their sensitivity and ability to detect small gold nuggets at greater depths. Mono coils are particularly popular among prospectors in highly mineralised soils or areas with a lot of iron trash. They can also handle uneven terrain and are generally more resistant to electrical interference.

Coil size

Another thing to consider when buying a gold metal detector is the size of your coil. Larger coils generally provide greater depth penetration but may sacrifice sensitivity for smaller targets. On the other hand, smaller coils offer better sensitivity to tiny gold particles but may have reduced depth capabilities.

When selecting a coil for gold prospecting, consider the specific conditions of the area you plan to search, such as the mineralisation levels and the size of gold you expect to find. It’s also worth noting that some metal detectors allow for interchangeable coils, allowing you to customise your detector’s performance based on your needs and preferences.

How to prospect for gold in Australia

Once you’ve got your equipment, it’s time to get started.

Here are some steps to help you get started with gold prospecting:

Select the right metal detector: look for a metal detector specifically designed for gold prospecting. Choose a model with good sensitivity to small gold nuggets and adjustable settings to minimise interference from mineralised soils.
Identify promising prospecting areas: find areas where gold has been found before or where favourable geological conditions exist. Pay attention to areas near known gold-bearing rivers, creeks, and old mining sites. Research historical mining records and speak with local prospectors for advice.
Get permission and permits: make sure you have a license to prospect in the area you intend to search. Some sites may require permits or have specific regulations, so make sure to comply with any legal requirements.
Learn to operate your metal detector: familiarise yourself with the functions and settings of your metal detector. Read the instruction manual thoroughly and practice using it in different environments to understand how it responds to different types of metal.
Ground balance your detector: ground balancing is crucial to reduce interference from mineralised soil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly ground balance your metal detector before you start searching.
Start searching for gold: look in areas where gold is most likely to accumulate, such as riverbanks, exposed bedrock, or areas where erosion has occurred. Slowly sweep the metal detector coil from side to side while maintaining a consistent height above the ground.
Dig and recover targets: when you detect a potential gold target, use a small hand shovel or a digging tool to carefully inspect what you’ve picked up. Place the material in a gold pan or a sieve and use water to separate the heavier material, including gold, from the lighter debris.
Repeat: prospecting for gold is a skill that improves with practice and experience. Repeat the process, explore different areas, and refine your techniques to increase your chances of finding gold.

Where to find gold in NSW and VIC

New South Wales

To fossick for gold in New South Wales, you need a miner’s permit. Here are some top spots to find gold in NSW.

Bathurst Region
Tambaroora Commons
Ophir Reserve
Hill End
Oberon District

For more information about prospecting for gold, the NSW government has put together this handy guide.

Victoria

You need a miner’s right for recreational prospecting in Victoria. Here are some top spots to find gold in VIC.

The Golden Triangle – covers the triangular area between Ballarat, Bendigo, and St Arnaud
Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park
Greater Bendigo National Park & Bendigo Regional Park
Heathcote-Graytown National Park

For more information, visit the Parks Victoria website.