Slab Hut Creek INTEL
Slab Hut Creek is the West Coast's most popular family-friendly fossicking spot. The creek runs clear and shallow through native bush, with easily accessible alluvial gold in the stream gravels. It's the perfect introduction to gold panning for beginners and children.
Mission Profile
Discovery Metrics
Operational Gear
Stratigraphy & History
The creek was worked during the 1860s West Coast rush but never on a large scale, meaning there's still plenty of colour to be found. Its accessibility from Greymouth and pleasant setting have made it the go-to spot for recreational panners visiting the region.
Geological Context
Fine flour gold concentrates on a false bedrock of blue-grey clay approximately 30cm below the surface gravel. The gold originated from quartz veins in the surrounding ranges and was deposited by stream action. Black sand layers are your indicator — where you see magnetite, you'll find gold.
Field Note
CONFIDENTIAL PRO-INTEL
Verified Sector Secret
"Walk 400m upstream past the swing bridge. The Black Sand layers here are particularly rich — bring a magnet."
Economic Potential
Historical yield data suggests unrecovered fines at depth. Optimal for small-scale suction or high-banking if permitted.
Trade Gold
Leverage spot price movements globally while you're in the field.