7 Best Places to Find Platinum Metal Detecting 

Ever wondered where to hunt for the world’s most precious metal, platinum? Let’s explore the top US spots to set your metal detector buzzing!

As a metal detecting enthusiast from the state of Pennsylvania, who is detecting metal and treasure hunting for over 15 years now, I have high standards for my fellow metal detecting community. 

I hope you know what is the most precious metal in the world right now. If you guessed Platinum, you are right. 

Being the most expensive and precious metal in the world doesn’t make it impossible to find with our metal detectors.

Just like any other metal, platinum is also detectable by metal detectors.

As with any other metal, knowing where to search for platinum, will increase the chances of you finding platinum. 

So, according to my experience, Here are the best places to find platinum metal detecting,

1. Montana
2. Alaska
3. Michigan
4. Minnesota
5. Oregon
6. Nevada
7. California

So, in the rest of the article, I will be talking about the best places to look for Platinum in each of these mentioned states. 

Apart from these states, I will be taking you through some locations where small amounts of Platinum have been found and recorded. 

If you are someone not from the United States of America, or if you are planning a trip abroad to Metal detect, I will be showing you the best places all around the world to search for platinum. 

So, hang around till the end to find more cool information about various locations to find and platinum and interesting facts regarding these locations.  

Let’s jump in!

Best Places in the United States to Find Platinum by Metal Detecting

When detecting metals like platinum, with their high value and commodity, certain risks and problems arise. 

So we have to deviate from the normal detection path to achieve a greater result. 

Platinum isn’t found as large clusters of ores beneath the Earth’s surface in nature. 

Rather these platinum deposits are found attached to other metals like gold, silver, lead, palladium, and some other metals. 

So, this explains why metal is so valued in the metal-detecting community. 

Even the larger operations are struggling to find good deposits of platinum in the crust of the earth. 

So if you manage to find even the tiniest piece of platinum by metal detecting, it will be a major achievement for you.

Even though I have been on countless platinum metal detecting trips and sessions, I have been successful only a couple of times. 

But that didn’t stop me from sharing the knowledge I gain through experience with my fellow metal detecting enthusiasts. 

So here are some locations from the best states in the United States to metal detect for platinum. 

1. Montana

Montana is arguably the best state in the United States to detect platinum. 

With its rich history in mining and ongoing platinum extraction works, this presents the perfect opportunity for any platinum metal detecting enthusiasts. 

There are a few locations in the state of Montana that we have to pay attention to majorly. 

One of those locations is the Stillwater complex.

Stillwater Complex

This is one of the most significant sources of platinum production in the United States of America. 

This is located in the southern central part of the state and has been known for its rich deposits of various minerals. 

With years and years of depositions of various rock types, the bedrock and the surface layer of crust in this part of Montana have rich deposits of minerals. 

One of the major and rare minerals among the deposits is platinum.

Platinum reserves in the Stillwater complex are associated with various other minerals like Palladium, Chromium, and other minerals. 

So in this area, platinum extraction efforts have been operating for a long time. 

Stillwater County

Stillwater complex is situated in Stillwater County. 

Apart from the complex itself, the whole county is known to have little deposits of platinum under the surface of the Earth’s crust. 

In the vast area of the county, you can detect platinum with metal detectors. 

Even though it is a hard task, starting from a place like this will increase your chances of finding a piece of platinum from your metal detector. 

Another hotspot in this area is the Stillwater Mine. For decades it has been the major producer of platinum group metals in the United States of America. 

So detecting the mine and its surroundings will ensure more chances of you finding something valuable.

2. Alaska

This is a state that I have been personally into. With its snow-covered mountain tops and friendly people, there are a lot of minerals hidden beneath the surface too. 

Platinum is often found associated with other heavy metals which is the case in Alaska too. 

Here are some of the locations in Alaska, where you might be lucky to find some platinum by metal detecting. 

Goodnews Bay

Goodnews Bay is located in the southwestern region of Alaska. 

This area is popular among the locals as well as the metal detectors for placer deposits of platinum being found. 

Ice caps melt and form rivers, streams, and large waterways due to ever-growing global temperatures. 

Due to this the surface layers of soil and its minerals also get washed away by these waterways.

These washed-away minerals and soil get deposited in the streambeds, beach sands, and bay areas. 

This is what made the good news bay so popular for platinum detecting. 

There are deposits of washed-away platinum in the bay area, which can be easily detected compared to other areas in the country this presents the perfect opportunity for someone eager in finding platinum and lives closer to Goodnews Bay. 

3. Michigan

This is another one of the states where some people have claimed that they have found platinum through metal detecting sessions. 

There is one particular place in Michigan you all have to try out, if you are interested in finding Platinum with your metal detector.

Keweenaw Peninsula

Keweenaw Peninsula is located in the northernmost part of the state facing the great lakes. 

The peninsula is widely known for its rich mineral deposits along with platinum. 

Countless mining operations are going on in these areas to discover copper metal mainly. During these metal excavations, platinum could be produced as a byproduct 

Calumet which is a historical mining town located in the Keweenaw Peninsula could be a great starting point for any metal detecting enthusiast in their platinum detecting journey. 

Or else if you lie to have some scenic beauty while engaging in metal detecting the tip of the Keweenaw peninsula offers you the Copper Harbor. 

Which is a scenic town located on the peninsula with a rich history of mining activities.

These are some of the hotspots you can try out in the larger Keweenaw Peninsula to have luck with finding some platinum.

4. Minnesota

Minnesota is known for its history of gold and copper mining. 

Among these metals, platinum is produced as a by-product in the mining processes. 

This represents the presence of platinum even in small amounts. 

Here are some of the hotspots you can try out to find platinum in the state of Minnesota. 

Lac des Iles Mine 

Even though this mine is primarily located in Canada, part of this mine extends into the state of Minnesota and is governed under the national law of the United States. 

So you are free to metal detect here by the government with proper clearances.

This is one of the major platinum-producing mines in the country with other metals associated with platinum. 

While its major source of excavation is palladium, it produces hefty amounts of platinum as by-products. 

Duluth Complex

Every metal-detecting enthusiast mind remembers one specific lace when it comes to Minnesota. The Duluth complex. 

Known for its rich copper and nickel reserves, everybody who has visited this place, knows there are a lot of other minerals in this region as well. 

One of those minerals is platinum. 

So this is a good place for anyone from the state of Minnesota to start their metal detecting career.

5. Oregon

In the state of Oregon, there are abundant mineral reserves and active and inactive mining aces present. 

Among these places, you could potentially find some platinum as natural deposits or discarded by-products. 

Here are some of the laces you should look into if you are visiting Oregon or living in Oregon. 

Gold Beach 

Oregon is mostly known for its gold deposits and the mining history in the gold rush times in the early 1900s. 

Gold Beach is also a kind of place that is mostly known for its placer gold deposits 

Among the gold deposits, there might be some platinum deposits to be detected. 

Port Orford

Port Orford is located in curry county of Oregon. This is also known for its rich gold mining history. 

With waterways running abundantly in these areas, it is advisable to search for platinum among the riverbanks and in the waterways. 

Cape Blanco

This is located near the port of Orford. This area also has a history of gold mining activities. 

So it is advisable to look into this area as well to find some platinum attached to gold deposits. 

Coos Bay

Coos Bay is located in Coos County this area also has a history of gold mining activities. 

The bedrock of coos bay is said to be having various other heavy minerals too. 

So it is good to detect platinum in these areas too. 

Bandon 

Another coastal town situated in Oregon with a history of gold mining activities. 

So there could be potential platinum deposits under the surface of the Earth, waiting to be found. 

6. Nevada

There are some locations in the state of Nevada you have to try out if you are interested in finding platinum with our metal detector. 

Great Basin

Great Basin is an area that has been explored for a lot of kinds of minerals. 

Among these mineral types, there could be platinum and its associated platinum group metals. 

So it’s advisable to visit this place if you are someone from the state of Nevada or visiting the state of Nevada.

7. California

This is the last major state in the list of states where you can find platinum by metal detecting. California is a state with highly mineralized soil. 

Various areas in the state have been specified and known for various types of metals. 

Trinity County

Trinity County was a major contributor to the gold mining aspect of the state among the abundant gold reserves there could be platinum and other platinum group metals lying in the ground. 

Kern River Mine

This is another hotspot for gold mining activities in the state. 

While gold is the main target of the mine, platinum could be produced as a by-product. 

Klamath Mountains 

The Klamath Mountains area in the northern part of the state of California is the most interesting location among all of the places in California. 

The mineral-rich soil and bedrock layers have a rich geological history 

This area might have platinum deposits and associated minerals beneath the ground. 

So this is a place you should visit if you are planning to find platinum by metal detecting.

Other Locations in the United States to Find Platinum by Metal Detecting

There are some other states and laces around the United States where small deposits of platinum and its associated metals have been reported. 

So here are some of those locations,

1. Colorado

J-M Reef

JM Reef is a slight extension of the Stillwater mining complex in the state of Colorado. 

As the Stillwater mining complex is the most prominent platinum producer in the country, these parts of Colorado are also said to be having some platinum and its associated mineral deposits. 

So this is a location you should visit if you are someone near the J-M Reef and is interested in finding platinum by metal detecting. 

2. Idaho

Idaho is known as the gem state of the United States. 

Idaho has gained this name due to abundant depositions of various minerals and stones across the state territories. 

So among the minerals, there could be lacer deposits of platinum too even though I was unable to point out an exact location where you should start the search, talking with a local would help in initiating your metal detecting session. 

3. Wyoming

Bighorn Mountains

The bighorn mountains are popular among the Ocals as well as the Mertald detecting community for their rich mineral deposits. 

Most of them have been platinum and its associated platinum group metals. 

4. Washington

East Boulder Mine 

This is also an extension of the Stillwater Complex in the state of Montana. 

This is located on the border of Washington and Montana, where abundant excavation and exploration processes are going on to find platinum. 

So the area surrounding the mine would be a great place to start detecting for platinum any enthusiast. 

Now you have good knowledge about where you can find platinum treasures inside the US.

But if you’re planning to visit any other country or if you’re from my international audience, now I’m going to share with you some of the best countries you should go to for platinum treasure hunting.

Just keep reading!

Locations Around the World to Find Platinum by Metal Detecting

As a person who has been to a few countries, I can understand the excitement of this metal-detecting hobby all around the world. 

With those occasional trips abroad I have made some good friends with whom I share knowledge and expertise. 

Here are some of the locations that I have been to and as well as suggested to me for finding platinum by metal detecting my friends. 

North America

1. Canada

Canada is the other prominent metal-producing country in the region of North America here are some of the locations that I have been to, and had detected for platinum.

Even though I wasn’t successful in any of the attempts, I encourage you to try out because this could be your lucky day

Sudbury Basin

This basin is located in Ontario. Known for its rich diversity of minerals and abundant deposits of copper, nickel, and platinum, metal detectors around the world are attracted to this place. 

Raglan Mine 

situated in Nunavik, Quebec, Raglan Mine is a major producer of Nickel and copper in the country among with these metals platinum deposits are found. 

And is often excavated as a byproduct of nickel and copper mining.

Lac des Iles Mine 

Located in the Ontario region, this is one of the largest mines in Canada. 

The major mineral excavated in this mine s platinum and associated metals.

So it is advisable to search in the vicinity of this mine to get lucky with finding platinum by metal detecting.

Africa

Africa is world renowned for the rare metals hidden under the soil. 

Just like any other rare kinds of metals, platinum is found abundantly in the African continent 

Here are some of the places you can look for platinum metal-detecting in Africa.

1. South Africa

Rustenberg District

Rustenberg District is situated in the Bushveld complex, which is known as the largest source of platinum in the entire world. 

Among the Bushveld complex, the Rustenberg district has extensive platinum deposits.

Waterberg District

Waterberg District is an upcoming platinum mining area. 

The Waterberg mine is a significant location in the area that you should visit. 

2. Zimbabwe

Great Dyke

Great Dyke is another significant area in the African continent known for its platinum deposits. 

Mimosa Mine which is located in the Great Dyke is the largest platinum producer in the country. 

Apart from Mimosa Mine, another significant mine that contributes to producing large amounts of platinum is the Ngezi Mine. 

The area surrounding these mines would be a great starting place for anyone interested in finding platinum by metal detecting.  

Europe

Here are some of the locations in Europe where you could find success in metal detecting for platinum.

1. Russia

Norilsk District

Situated near the Arctic regions in Russia, this district is known for its deposits of nickel copper, and platinum.

2. Finland

Inari Region

Inari region is situated in the Northern part of Finland and is popular among the locals for rumors of platinum deposits.

Kemi Mine situated in the Inari region is a major chromium-producing mine in the country. 

The rumors of potential platinum deposits started to spread when this mine produced platinum as a by-product of excavation processes.

So before the area gets commercialized it is better to take your chances with finding some platinum with your metal detector. 

Asia

Here are some of the locations in Asia where you could find success in metal detecting for platinum.

1. Russia

Kola Peninsula

This is a popular platinum deposit, situated in the Asian region of Russia. 

The platinum present in this region is associated with nickel and copper. 

So mining operations are carried out to excavate the minerals available in the region. 

Ural Mountains

Ural Mountain region is one of the most popular locations in the world for its platinum deposits. 

Platinum present in this location is also attached to nickel and copper deposits.

Australia 

Here are some of the locations in the Australian continent where you could find success in metal detecting for platinum.

1. Australia

Western Australia

Merensky Reef in Kambalda region in Western Australia is known for its Platinum deposits along with other platinum group metals. 

Abundant nickel mining operations are going on in the region, which produces large amounts of platinum as by-products. 

So this will be a good place to start your metal detecting journey for platinum if you are someone from the land down under. 

New South Wales

Broken Hill region in New South Wales is also known for its Platinum and Platinum group metal deposits. 

Even though the deposits are not larger, there is a serious possibility of finding platinum by metal detecting. 

Congrats folks! Now you know the best places to find platinum metal detecting inside and outside the US.

The largest reserves of platinum in the world are found in South Africa, accounting for approximately 68.32% of the total platinum reserves globally.

www.worldatlas.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about the Best Places To Find Platinum Metal Detecting

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best places to find metal detecting by taking the best states for platinum treasures inside the US and I’ve mentioned the best countries as well for my international audience.

The best places in the US to find platinum while metal detecting include Montana, Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Nevada, and California. These states are known for their rich mining history and deposits of platinum and other valuable minerals.

I’ve personally been to many of the above places and got succeeded by finding Platinum artifacts, coins, rings, and other jewelry.

If you’re from anywhere in the world, you can deeply study this article and travel to the nearest place with your metal detector to find platinum treasures.

Since platinum is super expensive, this will be a huge achievement in your metal-detecting carrier. Happy treasure hunting!