geotourism

in Patagonia - Prospecting and finding gold This outing comprises visits to three mineral deposits: coal, a copper deposit and a gold one. This last one exploited years ago by locals and adventures, and where you can see abandoned excavations. Here we’ll collect gold flakes with pans, sluices boxes, etc. RECEPTION:9:30a.m. In Camping “La Pasarela”, Lago Puelo, Chubut where we receive our visitors. After a short account detailing this excursion’s main activities and times involved, main aspects of the regional geology are considered and local samples of rocks and minerals examined. At the same time, a round of coffee or mate (typical Argentinean drink) and local pastries will be served. The camping has sanitary installations and recreation areas. Our stay here: roughly 45 minutes.Then we set off to visit the coalmine near Epuyen, Chubut, on the left margin of Las Minas River. Trip around 45 minutes. EPUYEN COAL MINE 11 a.m. visit to the mine, seeing open pit exploitation (partly flooded) undertaken by former settlers. References to purposes of these activities, to the local geology and deposit’s features. Visit lasts roughly 45 minutes. We now leave to the copper deposit, near the stream entering Mercedes lagoon on the eastern margin of route 258, on the way back to El Bolson. Trip around 15 minutes. CONDORCANQUI COPPER DEPOSIT This is reached after a 10 minutes walk east from route 258. Though access is not difficult, be sure to keep hand free as care and control to avoid loose rock and soil slipping is necessary.12:10a.m. Starting activities. Exploration pits and trenches made by Fabricaciones Militares, will be examined. Providing information about exploration undertaken and reasons, samples will be taken. Also, a brief talk given on local geology and deposit’s features. Time: around 30 minutes. Following this, we set off to the gold placer on the left margin of Rio Azul, near El Bolson. Trip: around 30 minutes. RIO AZUL GOLD PLACERS At 1:30p.m. approximately, there'll be a camp meal near this river, within a private camping area and consisting of spit-roasted lamb or Patagonian kid, assorted salads, home made beverages (apple chicha), wine, soft drinks, desserts with regional fine fruits (berries). This camping provides sanitary installations and recreation areas. At lunch, we’ll review the activities to follow later.3 p.m. Lunch over, mining activities begin. First, a brief reviews about origin of gold deposits, types, geologic setting and how gold accumulated in placers and local rivers. Next, how to pan for gold, concentrating it, seeing and recuperating the gold metal. Straightaway rubber boots and pans will be handed out so each participant can apply this new skills and gain personal experience, with permanent guidance and tips. Each person as mementos can take the concentrates, placed in plastic containers, home. At the same time, a gold gravity concentrating sluice box will be installed next to the river. With two 2-meter chutes, one with “nugget catcher” trap and “Riffle” concentrator equipped with special carpet particle concentrators. A 1 ½” inch water pump provides the necessary water flow. Picks and shovels for a 4 or 5 participants, with permanent help from guide, will be used. All can participate in turn (and be photographed working with the miner). Once completed, lots will be cast to see who keeps the concentrate. All in all, no less than 4 hours will be required: with a campfire, snacks will be served round. 7 p.m. Return.   Half mining day in Patagonia - Prospecting and finding gold This outing comprises visits to three mineral deposits: coal, a copper deposit and a gold one. This last one exploited years ago by locals and adventures, and where you can see abandoned excavations. Here we’ll collect gold flakes with pans, sluices boxes, etc.