The Whats and Hows of Minelab GPZ 7000 Metal Detector

With 10000 tonnes of proven gold mine reserves, Australia leads the world by a substantial margin. It is also the second-largest producer of gold. These are a number of proven sites, but the country is also littered with thousands of pockets of gold yet to be found. The gold rushes of more than a century and a half ago are what built the nation, and fossicking is more popular than ever. New tech has led to enormous finds, each bigger than the one before. The small investment in capable metal and gold detectors and basic gold prospecting gear has meant more people are striking it rich.

To search for gold, you’ll first need a fossicking or miner’s licence approved by state governments. Once that’s cleared, there are defined areas in which you can begin hunting. You can start out small, with the most affordable detectors and a little luck, but having something like the minelab gpz 7000 metal detector can make your time and the whole experience all the more worthwhile.

The Basics of Metal Detectors

In the search for the yellow metal, a metal detector transmits an electromagnetic field through a search coil into the ground. Any metallic object within that field becomes energised and emits signals of its own. All metal detectors perform this basic function, but it’s the technology and features that help find gold easier when located in mineralised soils with several types of metals, particularly iron. This is target discrimination, that separates the junk from the gold, and saves time and frustration.

Metal Detector Types and Features

There are two basic types of detectors -VLF or very low-frequency detectors that use single frequencies and a two-coil setup in detecting anything of value under the ground. These are inexpensive, lightweight and an ideal start detecting. Their limited features will make it harder in finding targets, and discriminate between metal types in heavily-mineralised soils. Detectors relying on Pulse Induction, or PI gold detectors have multiple frequencies spread across a wider range, meaning better sensitivity in the coil and penetration of difficult soils. This makes target location and discrimination more successful, and features like automatic or manually set ground balance, and depth settings help locate smaller gold particles at greater depths. The features of advanced gold detectors are what sets them apart from entry-level detectors, which is also reflected in the higher price. Your chances of finding gold though are much higher.

Looking for the Best Gold Detector?

Minelab makes a range of detectors in different price ranges and with different features. High up in the hierarchy is the minelab gpz 7000 metal detector, one of the most capable in the field. It is also one of the priciest models, but aimed at serious prospectors and fossickers. The detector relies on several proprietary technologies to increase success rates.

High performance is offered with Minelab’s ZVT or Zero Voltage Transmission with clear-cut frequencies that rule out signal interference, and allows to pick up even the smallest targets and at 40 per cent greater depth than the previous leader, the Minelab GPX5000. Located signals are better defined with high sensitivity Super-D coils, which Minelab states gives you the advantage and the possibility of finding sub-gram particles or larger nuggets. Another advanced tech, like Precision Ground balance, helps detect gold in difficult and layered soils and is a feature that can be automatically set or fine-tuned manually. Lastly, there’s Enhanced Noise Immunity, a noise-cancelling function to better single out signals picked up exclusively from gold, and avoids any interference from junk and other metals. Usability is extended in wet conditions, with the weatherproof coil being safe in up to 1 metre of water, though the control box is not shielded so use with caution.

All that tech is channelled through an easy to read colour display that features active mapping, as well as an easy-to-use menu with simplified scrolling for quick access to all features. The screen also includes target identification to tell you precisely what you have found, and saves time and effort in fruitless digging. Included in the kit are high-quality noise-cancelling headphones with Bluetooth connectivity so minimising unwanted cables and further interference. The package is complete with chargers, cabling and even a pro-grade harness that lessens arm, shoulder and back pain, considering the overall weight.

Detector Accessories

Minelab has a whole range of interchangeable coils that can be used across varying soils, and increase the chances of a target. Coils can be protected by skid plates, especially from scattered rocks and in inclement weather. If you take detecting seriously, then equip your detector with an additional Li-Ion battery for a whole day’s worth of fun.

Pricing and Where to Buy

As with everything, you get what you pay for. This is the most advanced gold detector Minelab offers, and is priced as such. It won’t be the first detector you buy to hone your skills, but more of something that is an upgrade from what you’ve already got. As such, it won’t be available everywhere and your best chance is to search specialised stores selling all things mining.