The bottom of rivers, lakes, and harbors is often a good source of gravel.

Shortly, we will look at how the payload is moved in a little more detail, but for now, let’s talk for a moment about the kinds of materials that are typically recovered with this method, dredging or dredge mining. Simplistically, the dredge is designed to lift these materials of interest from the bottom up into the dredge. We need to add one more condition, and that is: the material of value on the bottom must be unconsolidated, such as sand and gravel, or it must be very soft. Of course, the only reason for floating a dredge is to recover something of value at the bottom of this body of water. In many cases, this is a natural body of water such as a river or a lake, but in others, it is a manmade pond or small lake. Accordingly, a dredge requires a body of water in which to operate. A dredge is the principal piece of equipment used in the dredging method and, essentially, a dredge is a boat containing specialized mining and materials handling components.

Gold dredge parts diagram