McCormick, S.C. (WFXG) – When you think of Gold Prospecting, you usually think of California from the Gold Rush. But you can actually strike gold right here in the CSRA.
“We’re out here prospecting for gold. We are using a high banker, and what we do is shovel the material into the hopper and search for gold in the material. A lot of people, when you say gold, they don’t think of Augusta or the CSRA. But McCormick, where we are, was actually built on a gold mine,” said Baillie Conway, a member of the Augusta Gold Club.
Before the 1848 California Gold Rush, Georgia was the hotspot for finding the treasure. Gold veins still run in numerous places throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
“And where we are, we are right in the Mccormick-Lincolnton belt. So, this is an offshoot of the big belt. We do not have as much gold as Dahlonega, but we do have a nice vein in this area,” said Baillie Conway.
Types of Gold Prospecting can range from hydraulic to panning. Locally, the creek plays a crucial role in the Augusta Gold Club’s findings.
“Gold will generally flow down from its main source through the water. So we are hoping to find the source, and have the gold travel through the water. So that is why we are always in the creek looking,” said Baillie Conway.
Gold mining’s past has been filled with negative impacts to the environment, however the Augusta Gold Club says their approach is actually beneficial to the creeks and ecosystems.
“While we’re down in the creek digging and all, we are cleaning up. There is a lot of metal, glass, stuff like that and we clean that up and pack them out with us. But the big thing is that the old-timers used to use mercury. Mercury is highly toxic. Our equipment will catch the mercury with the gold, so we get a lot of mercury out of the creeks, which helps the environment,” said Charles Belk, member of the Augusta Gold Club.
But don’t think you’re going to find nuggets of gold and get rich on your first attempt.
“I have found a bunch of flower gold in this area. But we did find closer to the Alabama-Georgia border, we found a nice, almost three-gram gold nugget,” said Baillie Conway.
The Augusta Gold Club says there’s another thing that you may find that’s more valuable than the gold.
“Everybody calls me and says, hey Tim, are we going to make a lot of money? And I tell everybody… no, you’re not going to make a lot of money, you’re going to find a little bit of gold, but you’re going to find the gold in the friendships that you meet,” said Tim Conway, President and Founder of the Augusta Gold Club.
Discovering More Than Gold in the CSRA
Gold prospecting in the CSRA offers more than just the possibility of finding gold. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with the history of the region and contribute to environmental conservation efforts. By participating in activities like gold panning and using environmentally friendly equipment, individuals can not only hunt for gold but also play a role in preserving the natural habitats and waterways of Georgia and South Carolina.
Emphasizing Environmental Stewardship
The Augusta Gold Club’s commitment to environmental stewardship sets it apart from traditional gold mining practices. By actively cleaning up debris and removing toxic substances like mercury from the creeks, members of the club demonstrate a dedication to maintaining the ecological balance of the area. This approach ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of the landscape while pursuing their passion for gold prospecting.
Building Connections Through Gold Prospecting
While the allure of finding gold may draw individuals to the activity, the real treasure lies in the relationships and camaraderie that develop within the gold prospecting community. The Augusta Gold Club serves as a hub for like-minded individuals to share their experiences, knowledge, and love for exploring the outdoors. Through their regular meetings and events, members not only search for gold together but also build lasting friendships based on a shared passion for adventure and discovery.
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