The University of Alaska Fairbanks mining extension program will offer a basic prospecting class in Palmer on Saturday.
Dave Wright has worked on recreational and commercial mining claims for more than 30 years and will teach Saturday’s session.
He says the day long class will have broad appeal to both the weekend gold pan crowd as well as those looking to make it a business.
Wright says Alaska is endowed with some of the richest mineral deposits in the world. And it’s not just gold and copper.
“There are opals being mined at one area of Alaska, diamonds have been found although as of yet, nothing significant enough to mine but diamonds are here,” Wright said. “Emeralds exist in Alaska and the possibility of a real good emerald find is not beyond reach.”
Saturday’s class will be at Kerttula Hall in Palmer. You can register online.
Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.
