Here is a picture of the trommel in operation, taken when we were starting this phase of the operation. The paydirt is fed to the plant by the excavator, through the hopper, where the material is subjected to high-pressure water sprays. As the slurry passes through the cylindrical tube, (that's the 'trommel') which rotates about its longitudinal axis, it is subject to more water sprays and agitation by 'lifter bars'. The material then passes over screens that are fixed near the discharge end of the plant. The undersize, that is- the material that will pass through the screen, is then treated in the sluices where the gold and other valuable minerals are caught. The oversize is carried away by the conveyer belt on the left. All water is caught in the ponds below the plant and recycled, and the land reclaimed for human and nature's benefit and use when we are finished.

This next photo is that of a "Sluice Robber." Actually, that's the owner of the mine. He can take the nuggets out if he wants.

We also can see the screen at the end of the trommel, and the upper part of the sluice box.