RE: Lows2 Feb 2026 09:41
Here is why estimates, including those from 2012 by Snowden Mining Consultants and others, can differ from actual findings:
"Nuggety" and Inconsistent Gold: The Dolgellau gold belt, where Clogau is located, is famous for having "nuggety" gold, meaning the gold is not evenly distributed. Instead, it occurs in concentrated, high-grade pockets (bonanza grades) separated by large, barren areas. A few high-grade samples can make an area look exceptionally rich, while surrounding rock may contain almost nothing.
Challenges of Old Mines: The Clogau mine has been worked since 1862 and closed in 1989, making it a brownfield site with a long history of intermittent production. Many old records are incomplete, and previous miners likely targeted the easiest-to-find, highest-grade veins, leaving behind lower-grade ore, which makes estimating remaining, untouched, high-grade pockets challenging.