How did NZ miners dig up gold?

The methods used by NZ miners to dig up gold varied depending on the location and nature of the gold deposits. Here are some common methods:

1. Alluvial Mining: Alluvial mining involves recovering gold from loose sediments and gravel deposits, which are often found in riverbeds, terraces, and old river channels. This method does not require deep digging. Miners would use simple tools such as pans, shovels, and cradles to separate gold from the gravels and sediments.

2. Dredging: Dredging was used in areas where gold-bearing sediments were found underwater, such as riverbeds or shallow lakes. A large floating machine called a dredge would scoop up the sediments, then separate the gold using screens and sluices.

3. Hydraulic Mining: Hydraulic mining used powerful jets of water to dislodge gold-bearing soil from hillsides and banks. The water would carry the sediment to sluice boxes, where the gold would be separated. This method was highly effective but could cause significant environmental damage.

4. Deep Lead Mining: Deep lead mining involved digging shafts and tunnels to reach gold-bearing veins deep underground. These mines required extensive engineering, support structures, and ventilation systems.

5. Hard Rock Mining: Hard rock mining was done when the gold was embedded in solid rock. Miners would use various techniques, such as drilling, blasting, and tunneling, to extract the gold-bearing ore. The ore was then processed at a stamp mill to extract the gold.

6. Panning: Panning is a simple but effective method for separating gold from other materials in a stream. A miner would use a shallow pan to scoop up sediment from the stream bed and swirl the pan in a circular motion to allow heavier materials like gold to settle at the bottom.

These are some of the main methods used by NZ miners to dig up gold during the gold rush era and beyond. The specific methods employed would depend on the location, type of gold deposit, and available technology at the time.