Moore Creek, Alaska - A Prospector's Story, Part Two

[steve herschbach]

Moore Creek, Alaska - A Prospector's Story, Part Two

Note: This is part two of a two part story. Part one is at http://www.findmall.com/read.php?27,605318

 

[Slopoke]

n/t

 

[bearkat4160]

n/t

 

[Digger Bob]

Very cool Steve! Now, just one question... Does this mean the end of recreational detecting that so many have enjoyed up there? No more "pay as you go" hunting? Hope that's not the case. I was hoping to get up there with the new Whites PI and see how it does.

Digger Bob

 

[steve herschbach]

Hi Bob,

Well we are on for 2008 and selling out fast. Only 20 slots left, but we are discussing adding a couple more weeks.

I honestly do not know what will happen with 2009. If they hit big with te drilling program there are options for the exploration company that do include buying us completely out. They only want the hardrock but could buy out the placer also just to get the camp and airstrip for future expansion.

So we sort of kind of plan on doing the pay-to-mine deal in the future but we will just have to wait until next fall to know for sure.

I am selling of our Infiniums and plan on replacing them with the White's units... if they ever release it! So people visiting the mine will be able to use them and see how they work.

Steve Herschbach
Moore Creek Mining LLC

 

[Digger Bob]

Steve, I am continuing to test and refine the Whites unit. Results have been mixed so far. Some good, some bad. The good news for you is they will be waterproof loops, lightweight machines, and loops interchangable with "Brand X". Depth, stability, and iron ID are works in progress. Overall, I think it will fill a niche in the market for an intermediate PI machine that will work for many different types of hunting. At the risk of saying too much, we are trying very hard to make it as good as we can with the technology available at the moment. I think there will be room for improvement down the line as we get feedback from the field and more time to tinker with it. Be patient, it's coming!

Digger Bob

 

[bearkat4160]

Digger Bob, is the Whites new PI at least as equal to the Infinium or do you think it is better performer? And maybe even compared to a Minelab? Thanks, Alan (Ga)

 

[steve herschbach]

Hi Bob,

Heck, I waited 35 years to make that big gold discovery! I can wait as long as it takes for White's to get it right. I am one of the guys that has been nagging them for years to get in the game and I'm just happy they are finally making the attempt.

Just got back from a meeting with the boys from Full Metal, our partners in the Moore Creek hardrock exploration. Everyone is pumped to the max about the discovery. I still don't think it has really sunk in...

Steve Herschbach
Moore Creek Mining LLC

 

[VT Dave]

Congratulations for the job done and best wishes for the future Steve

Dave

 

[Digger Bob]

I've never used a Garrett and only seen one once so I can't comment from personal experience. From what I've read from others however, I think we will have the upper hand here. Much lighter, easier to use, more stability, and more loops to choose from.

As far as the Minelabs, well, I really can't say right now as it is still being perfected. Whites will have some advantages over the GPs to be sure, but may lack in others. As I've stated before, this isn't intended to be a head to head competition. I think we will fit in somewhere above the standard VLFs and below the GPs, for lack of a better way to say it.

Steve, I know exactly what you mean. I started hounding them 10 years ago soon after I got my first 2100. I was rudely informed by Alan that he did not believe there was a market for Whites to make a machine like that. Heck, at the time, they could have (and were offered) a chance to BUY the patents and essentially the technology along with Bruce Candy thrown in as a bonus, but they refused. To no ones surprise, Alan has been eating his words ever since. I could go on with what I know about that whole fiasco but here's not the place.

Digger Bob