In 1982 I got my start dredging the Mother load country of California, it was during that time my passion for prospecting and mining was born. There was something magical about chasing a pay streak in the dirt and making money doing so. Reading rivers became second nature, the good pay streaks were well hidden and finding them became necessary, if I didn't find gold I didn't eat! When winter came and the rivers froze I worked for a gold mining company that specialized in "load deposits" and I quickly learned how to identify which rocks held noble metals. I received hands on training under the watchful eyes of an "old timer" who taught me the arts of drilling, blasting, timbering, mucking, as well as assaying, and the science of setting up gravity and float plants. The old adage "dumber than a box of rocks" took on a new meaning. I found the make up of most rocks is a complex assortment of many minerals and they don't give up their secrets easily. After several years studying Geology, metallurgy, and Engineering I came to the conclusion, " mining - a good education is beneficial but there is no substitute for hands on experience". 
I have over 35 years of experience , I would love to help you identify profitable  ground, procure and set up the right equipment for the project and be MSHA compliant.  Marty