The Uncomfortable Reality of Hard Rock Gold Mining That No One Talks About
With gold prices surging, hard rock gold mining is often seen as the logical next step beyond alluvial prospecting. This article breaks down the uncomfortable truth about hard rock gold mining, using real-world examples and Victorian legislation as the reference point. It explains why finding gold in quartz does not automatically mean a viable mining operation, how gold grade varies along veins, and why most quartz reefs are far more complex than they appear at the surface. From free-milling versus refractory gold to crushing, processing, legal limits, contamination, and physical labour, this piece explores the realities that determine whether hard rock gold mining can ever move beyond a hobby. While focused on Victoria, the challenges discussed apply to small-scale hard rock mining almost everywhere in the world.
