One of the most versatile and common sampling devices in placer mining is the gold pan. It is used as a reconnaissance tool, a sampling tool, and a concentrate refining tool.
With a gold pan, the prospector has the ability to, in effect, conduct his or her assay work on-site with immediate results. Although accuracy may be poor, the prospector can determine in the field if gold is present and in roughly what amounts. The gold pan uses gravity separation to concentrate heavy minerals.
Pans come in a variety of sizes, ranging in diameter from 12 to 16 in. An experienced panner can concentrate approximately 0.5 yd3 gravel daily. Because of this limited capacity, panning can be costly when large volumes must be processed; however, low capital expense, ease of use, versatility, and portability make the gold pan invaluable.
Immediate feedback when exploring or mining is a prime advantage of the gold pan. This one feature is extremely important for eliminating areas of low potential during exploration, and for separating pay gravel from waste during production. Skilled use of a gold pan during the mining sequence can make or break the small mining operation.
