Before we dig into the modern-day Alaska gold mining industry, let’s distinguish two general categories of mining: hard rock (lode) mining and placer mining. Hard rock mining involves extracting minerals from deposits in veins (lodes) formed in cracks and between layers of rock.

Although the first Alaskan gold rushes were relatively minor, interest exploded following one event. On July 17th of 1897, an ordinary steamboat named the SS Portland docked in Seattle, Washington.

“I still remember the sound of my first nugget hitting the sluice box.” recalls Brian Berkhahn, a long-time Alaskan miner. The conviction in his voice and look in his eye provides a very clear message that gold mining is not just a business venture or pastime to him; it’s a way of life.

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