This area is in Victoria Australia. I would be interested in how experienced US prospectors would tackle this area. Could prove an interesting case study and learning tool. Hoping it may prove interesting at the least to highlight the areas open to prospecting downunder.
My own logic tells me to detect around the reef and follow the ground on the slopes down into the gullies. The slopes are shallow so the hillside should be the priority? Look for areas less steep or that may slow or trap gold? Maybe the workings in No.1 gully which can be detected? Might get lucky and the piles may contain gold that was missed. What about the heads of the gullies and areas above the reef? Very interested in others views. Always ready to learn..
It falls within an area designated for prospecting so detecting is allowed within the McIntyre Historical Area. The Matrix Reef is marked by 4 deep shafts as well as one large open cut and several smaller cuts near the top of a hill. No. 0 Gully, No.1 Gully and No.2 Gully run from Matrix Reef. It also fed Old Woman's Gully and John's Patch. All produced nuggety gold at depths ranging from a few inches, a couple feet to 12 feet. The head of No. 0 No. 1 and a portion of No.2 gullies fall within the reserve and can be detected but much is on private property and unavailable. All the shafts and open cuts are inside the reserve and most of the slopes leading into all the gullies are also able to be prospected.
Old Womans Gully is able to be prospected but John's Patch is on private property and unavailable. For example the +66 or +65 on the map mark nuggets.
Matrix Reef was discovered when prospectors discovered large shallow nuggets and specimens on both the surface and a few inches deep.
The reef was eroding and shedding large quantities of gold. Specimens over a thousand ounces and nuggets in the hundreds of ounces. Countless smaller pieces were never recorded. First map clearly shows reef workings and shafts, creeks and nugget location. Second map give better idea of the slope of the land.
My own logic tells me to detect around the reef and follow the ground on the slopes down into the gullies. The slopes are shallow so the hillside should be the priority? Look for areas less steep or that may slow or trap gold? Maybe the workings in No.1 gully which can be detected? Might get lucky and the piles may contain gold that was missed. What about the heads of the gullies and areas above the reef? Very interested in others views. Always ready to learn..
It falls within an area designated for prospecting so detecting is allowed within the McIntyre Historical Area. The Matrix Reef is marked by 4 deep shafts as well as one large open cut and several smaller cuts near the top of a hill. No. 0 Gully, No.1 Gully and No.2 Gully run from Matrix Reef. It also fed Old Woman's Gully and John's Patch. All produced nuggety gold at depths ranging from a few inches, a couple feet to 12 feet. The head of No. 0 No. 1 and a portion of No.2 gullies fall within the reserve and can be detected but much is on private property and unavailable. All the shafts and open cuts are inside the reserve and most of the slopes leading into all the gullies are also able to be prospected.
Old Womans Gully is able to be prospected but John's Patch is on private property and unavailable. For example the +66 or +65 on the map mark nuggets.
Matrix Reef was discovered when prospectors discovered large shallow nuggets and specimens on both the surface and a few inches deep.
The reef was eroding and shedding large quantities of gold. Specimens over a thousand ounces and nuggets in the hundreds of ounces. Countless smaller pieces were never recorded. First map clearly shows reef workings and shafts, creeks and nugget location. Second map give better idea of the slope of the land.
