The Arizona Prospectors for Responsible Gold Mining Code of Ethics
1) Observe all Arizona State; Forest Service, Bureau of Land
Management (BLM); US Corps of Engineers; and Town regulations and rules concerning soil removal, fires, tree cutting, littering,
and gold mining. You are representative of all Arizona recreational gold prospectors, and must set the example – Every
Time - for future generations of Arizona gold miners.
2)
"PACK IT IN - PACK IT OUT." This rule shall be observed without exception throughout Arizona. This means
you will not leave cigarette butts; cans; paper wrappers; plastic or anything else behind when you finish prospecting an
area. Further, if you find cans or trash left by others, pack out as much of it as you can.
3) Always refill any holes you dig. Only take concentrates – Never raw
soil away from a prospecting hole. Always leave the area as natural as you found it, with an awareness of how wind and water
erosion could affect the area in the future if you don’t.
4) Never
mine for gold within 10- feet of any road or established trail in Arizona - period.
5) Never dig into the banks of a river; stream; creek: or desert wash in
Arizona. This can cause catastrophic failures of the bank during heavy rains and floods leading to massive destruction and
irreplaceable soil, plant and wildlife loss.
6) Always use green mining
techniques such as wind; water; solar; and rechargeable battery power when possible in Arizona. Never refuel power equipment
where oil or gas might enter the soil or a waterway. If your motorized equipment might possibly leak any gasoline or oil
while you are prospecting, use a drip pan under the engine.
7) The
use of Mercury, or any strong acids or chemicals in the testing or processing of Arizona gold in the field is VERY DANGEROUS
and PROHIBITED under this Code.
8) Always obtain permits
or written permission in advance of prospecting on Public or Private land, and in all situations, use common sense and be
thoughtful and courteous to others.
9) Report immediately any person
or persons misusing, damaging or littering public or private land.
10) For
every week you spend gold prospecting in Arizona, dedicate at least one-hour to a land conservation and preservation project
within the State.
