Ever thought about unearthing the hidden treasures of Zinc with a metal detector? What if I told you, adventure awaits just beneath your feet? Let’s dive in!
Zinc is one of the rare metals to find during metal detection. Even though it has a high economic value, due to its rarity most people don’t tend towards detecting zinc with their metal detectors.
So detecting zinc is one of the areas that is still yet to be explored in the community of metal detecting.
I and my fellow detectorists were interested in this cool metal and traveled across the US and some countries to find zinc treasures.
Here are some of the best places to find zinc by metal detecting,
- Alaska
- Missouri
- Tennessee
- Idaho
- New York
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Oklahoma
These are some states in the United States that will guarantee you find zinc through metal detecting.
With abundant reserves of zinc buried in them, these states have been leading the zinc production in the country for years.
With every metal detecting session, researching is one of the major areas that will save your time and energy so if you are willing to explore zinc through your metal detector.
I suggest you hang around till the end and find out more about each of these laws, as I will be explaining and pinpointing all the hotspots in these states.
To our international audience, there will be a section specifically assigned for you in this article.
So, let’s jump in!
Best States in the United States to Find Zinc by Metal Detecting
Now I’m going to explore each and every state where I have discovered beautiful zinc treasures with historic value.
First of all, you need to make sure your metal detector is capable of detecting zinc by adjusting its settings before visiting the locations.
So, let’s dig in!
1. Alaska
In the northernmost part of the United States, Alaska has been blessed with mineral-rich soil.
Among various minerals, Zinc is found abundantly in the subsoil layers of Alaska.
I traveled to Alaska last summer. The things I was able to uncover were so blissful and amazing.
As the state is rich in various kinds of minerals, I was able to detect and find multiple metals.
Among those metals, I found abundant zinc deposits in two significant places. They are,
Red Dog Mine
Red dog mine is situated in the Northwest Arctic Borough in Alaska.
Even though the weather is harsh out here the warmth of finding zinc was what kept me going through for multiple hours.
This is one of the largest active zinc mines in the United States of America. This has been in operation since the early 1980s.
There are a lot of areas to be detected and discovered in and surrounding the mining site.
So if you are someone near the site or from the state of Alaska, I suggest you try out this location.
Pine Point Mine
Pine point mine is situated near Kuparuk in North Slope Borough. This is not a very popular site among the detectors, as it has been abandoned for years.
I have found most luck in abandoned places in my metal detecting career. So I was determined to visit this mining site.
This was a lead-zinc mining site, there were abundant remains in the area of the mine. In the surrounding area, there were abundant relics of its rich history too.
So this is also another place you can try out if you are in Alaska.
2. Missouri
Commonly known as the “lead state” among the public, these states offer more than just lead to the metal-detecting community.
I have been to Missouri multiple times, and every time I return, my bags were full of items I detected.
There were two hotspots in this state that anyone should try out if there are into mental detection,
Viburnum Trend
Viburnum trend is a significant lead and zinc mining district in Missouri.
Located in the Southeastern part of the state, a strip of mineral-rich soil and rocks runs through this part of the state, earning it the name Viburnum Strip.
Finley Mine
Finley Mine is situated near Joplin in Jasper County. This had a rich past in zinc and lead mining.
But now the mining site is abandoned. This presents the perfect opportunity for anyone willing to spend some time to find Zinc.
3. Tennessee
Tennessee is another interesting state where the locals are very passionate about its mining history.
Even though I haven’t been to Tennessee, through some friends of mine I got to know some places that would be useful for you.
Mascot and Newtown Area
Situated in the eastern part of Tennessee, the Mascot and Newtown areas have been known for their zinc deposits among the locals.
There have been abundant mining operations in the past, and still have the potential to yield good results from detecting zinc too.
Gordonsville Mine
This is an underground zinc mine in Tennessee. This might be harder to get into, but if you manage to get inside the mine somehow, it will be a particularly exciting experience.
But going underground isn’t your thing, there are some other places you try to zinc by metal detecting in Tennessee.
Ducktown
Ducktown is situated near the Copper Hill region in Tennessee. This region is specifically known for its copper deposits,
Among the copper deposits, there are alluvial deposits of zinc too. So, this is a great area for someone to start their zinc-detecting journey.
There are abundant abandoned mining sites too. Therefore, Ducktown is an area you should try out if you are interested in detecting zinc.
4. Idaho
Idaho is very famous for its mineral and gemstone-rich soil.
Here are some of the locations in Idaho where you can try your luck to find some Zinc,
Coeur d’Alene Mining District
Coeur d’Alene mining district is very famous in the state of Idaho for its mineral-rich soil this area alone has been producing most of the zinc and other metal productions in the state.
Located in the northern part of Idaho, this is one of the most productive mining districts in the world.
So if you are someone who is living near the vicinity of this state, you should visit this site and start detecting it.
If not, you are missing an opportunity to get your hands on some zinc deposits.
5. New York
Considered the commercial capital of the United States, this state also has some mineral deposits hidden within the state.
Here are some of the locations in the state of New York to relax your mind and to have the perfect getaway for any metal detecting enthusiast,
Adirondack Mountains
These mountains are situated in Update New York During the early ages there have been abundant mining operations in this area.
But now all the mining activities have come to a halt. This might be the perfect opportunity for someone interested in finding zinc.
Balmat Mine
Balmat mine is located in Balmat, St. Lawrence County. There have been prominent zinc mining activities since it was operational.
The mine site is now abandoned and there could be some remaining from the previous explorations activities yet to be discovered.
6. Wisconsin
There are few areas in the state of Wisconsin where people have been talking about potential zinc deposits. One of those areas is the southwestern part of the State.
This area is known to have major zinc occurrences within the subsoil layers. So it is advisable to metal detect these areas in the state.
One prominent location where metal detecting enthusiasts of Wisconsin try is mentioned below,
Badger State Mine
Badger State Mine is located near the town of Shullsburg in Wisconsin. This mine has passed its golden years of zinc production.
This is an abandoned mining site.
So there might be potential zinc deposits in the ground that is waiting to be discovered by someone who is relentless in finding zinc.
7. Illinois
The state which produced one of the great leaders in the history of the United States is also responsible for having zinc deposits hidden underground.
Once I was in Illinois for a cross-country road trip, and during the trip from the little time I had, I was able to detect some zinc in the southern part of the state.
The southern part of the state has zinc deposits distributed all over the soil area. So these present an excellent opportunity for someone to detect zinc.
This area has been contributing to most of the zinc production in the state.
Rosiclare Mine
Rosiclare Mine is one of the notable places in the southern part of the state. This is located in Hardin County.
This was one of the major zinc producers back in the day. But now it is abandoned.
So if you are someone from Illinois you should try out these places for zinc detecting.
8. Oklahoma
Being a member of the trio of mining states in the United States, Oklahoma also has some smaller zinc deposits scattered around the state.
Oklahoma is known for its mineral products like lead, copper, and also zinc.
Here is one of the locations that I’ve visited and had success while metal detecting for zinc,
Picher Mining Field
Picher Mining Field is located in Ottawa County. This mining field extends through all three states of trio mining states.
There are several abandoned mining sites present in this area.
I grabbed the perfect opportunity to metal detect when I saw these abandoned mining sites.
And after some time I was leaving with a heavy bag and a happy smile.
Other States in the United States to Find Zinc by Metal Detecting
So, I have shown you the best states in the United States to find Zinc by metal detecting. what if you are not close enough to any of these states?
Don’t worry I got you covered too. here are some more states that have smaller and lacer deposits of zinc.
If you are determined to find zinc these locations will just work out perfectly fine for you.
1. Montana
There have been various occurrences of zinc deposits in the state of Montana.
Even though it is hard to pinpoint a specific location, a site near an abandoned lead mine has yielded smaller pieces of zinc.
2. Nevada
The Carlin trend in Nevada is mostly famously known for its deposits of gold. But among the abundant reserves of god, there are some zinc deposits too.
If you are a reader from Nevada, I suggest you try zinc detecting in the Carlin trend first and then move on to some bigger-name locations.
3. Colorado
Colorado is also known for its abundant mineral reserves. Among these mineral reserves, you could also find zinc deposits dispersed in the area.
The Leadville district of Colorado has been a major producer of lead in the past. Among the lead, you could be able to find zinc deposits as well.
A famous hotspot for zinc detectors in the Leadville area is the Black Cloud Mine. This is located in the Leadville mining district in Lake County.
This was a prominent silver-producing mine situated in the Leadville district.
But now this is abandoned. During its mining days, zinc was discarded by the workers as waste.
And these discarded zinc could be found hidden underground in the surrounding areas of the mine.
4. Utah
Bingham Canyon mine in Utah is mostly known for its copper production.
But among the abundant copper reserves you can find some smaller zinc deposits too.
5. Arizona
Arizona is mostly non for its presence of valuable gold. But with there are other metals like copper and zinc hidden underground too
Bisbee District in Arizona has a long history of mining. When it operated it was a major producer of zinc.
So there might be a chance that still some zinc deposits might present in the areas near this district.
6. New Mexico
New Mexico has some notable laces for zinc mining. One of those locations is Santa Rita Mine.
Santa Rita mine is located in the southwestern part of New Mexico. And has been a prominent producer of zinc for several years.
There might be some uncovered zinc deposits in the area, and I suggest you start from this if you are looking for a starting point.
7. North Carolina
the Franklin-Sterling Hills in North Carolina are known for their zinc deposits.
There have been abundant operations of zinc mining in the area.
This might be a perfect place to start your metal-detecting journey.
8. Kansas
Kansas is a member of the elite group of states that covers the tristate mining district.
In this district, there have been abundant excavation processes to find zinc.
This is a comparatively large area. So there might be still some leftover zinc in the area, waiting to be discovered.
9. New Jersey
A part of the Franklin-Sterling mining hills in North Carolina is connected to New Jersey. Franklin Hill is situated in New Jersey State.
Franklin area was a historical mining site for zinc.
As the mines are now abandoned the locals have turned the area into a museum to showcase the rich history of the area.
With proper clearances and guides from the locals, you can still detect zinc in the old mine sites.
10. Virginia
Austinville in Wythe County, Virginia had its fair share of zinc among the rest of the states.
With abundant reserves of zinc scattered around the area, there were plenty of mining sites.
With a rich history of zinc mining, the area offers a good chance for an up-and-coming new metal detector to detect zinc.
As most of these mines are abandoned you can easily get asses to visit these are detected for zinc.
So, let’s look at what countries and specific locations of those countries are good for zinc treasure hunting.
Top Locations All Around the World to Find Zinc by Metal Detecting
So, up to now, I have discussed locations all over the United States of America.
If you are an American or someone planning to visit America, I think now you have the perfect knowledge of where exactly to find zinc for metal detecting.
But what if you are someone from the other part of the world spending a busy lifestyle, and have a little too minor chance of visiting the United States in your lifetime?
Don’t worry, I got you covered too.
With the extensive relationships I have built with the international metal-detecting community, I called some of my friends abroad to as about famous laces in their countries to find zinc by metal detecting.
So here are the locations that I got as the answers,
1. Australia
From the land down under, there is a specific famous zinc mine in Queensland. Mount Isa Mines in Queensland is one of the largest zinc mines in the whole world.
Mount Isa Mines is still operational and has been operating for over 90 years. This has been producing cover, lead as well as zinc.
So if you are someone from Australia, definitely pay a visit to this amazing site.
From the information I got staff here is very friendly and is willing to walk you through any part of the mine eagerly.
So taking permission from them for metal detecting will be a piece of cake.
2. Canada
Sullivan Mine in British Columbia is a world-famous mine situated in Canada.
Even though its glory days are long gone, when it operated it was able to large amounts of zinc for the whole world.
The mine which was in operation for little over a century has now closed its doors.
As the site is now abandoned, it is easy for you to get permission to go inside and check out.
3. Peru
Antamina Mine in the Ancash area is a large open mine.
This mine was excavated for a lot of minerals, zinc being one of the major minerals out of them.
This is situated in the mineral-rich Andreas Mountain region and if you are paying a visit to the mountains, definitely visit the mine too.
4. India
Rampura Agucha in Rajasthan is one of the largest zinc mines in the world. It is known all over the world for high-quality zinc which is excavated from the earth.
The locals believe that there could be abundant reserves of zinc in the areas. So it is a good idea that you may visit with your metal detector.
5. China
Baiyin Group Mines in the Gansu region of China is a major producer of zinc in the country.
This group is recognized for producing a lot of metals for Chinses market, with zinc being one of the major metals they produce.
So there is defiantly a chance for someone in China to detect zinc in the area.
6. Ireland
Navan Mine in Meath County is a major producer of zinc in the country.
This is a lead-zinc excavating mine that has been operating for several decades now
This mine has been leading the mining industry in Ireland and is to approach and ask for permission for metal detecting.
Another notable location in Ireland is the abandoned Lisheen Mine. Lisheen Mine is located in County Tipperary.
This was once the largest producer of zinc in the country.
7. Kazakhstan
Ridder-Sokolnoye Mine is an abandoned mine in Kazakhstan. This is one of the major producers of zinc in the region in its operational years.
This is located in the northeastern part of the country as the site is abandoned there is a good chance that you can get access easily.
8. Sweden
Garpenberg Mine is situated in the Dalarna region. This is one of the oldest mines in the world.
Still, the operational mine is now continuing its excavation process underground for zinc and other metals.
There might be some lacer deposits around the region of the mining site to be discovered.
Another notable mine in Sweden is, Zinkgruvan Mine in the Ostergotland region this is also an operational mine which is continued to produce zinc.
9. Namibia
Rosh Pinah Mine in the Karas region is a large open mine, mining for zinc among other metals like silver, copper, and lead.
This is one of the only mines which is responsible for producing zinc in the country.
10. Mexico
Penolas Mine in the Zacatecas region of Mexico is a major producer of zinc in the country.
If you are someone from this lower North American region, you can try detecting zinc in this region.
11. Morocco
Bou Skour Mine in Ouarzazate is a prominent producer of zinc in the country. This is situated near the mineral-rich Atlas mountain region.
So, if you can detect it in the vicinity of this mining site, I think you might be able to get lucky with finding zinc.
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best places to find zinc metal detecting inside the US and all around the world.
Approximately 14 million metric tons of Zinc were consumed globally for industrial purposes in 2021.
www.usgs.gov
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Do I need to take permission before detecting Zinc?
Yes, just like any other metal detecting operation taking permissions before metal detecting is necessary. This will protect you from any legal issues that would come in the future.
Are there specific metal detector settings for finding zinc?
Yes. There is a wide range of settings that you can apply to your metal detector to detect zinc better.
What type of metal detector is suitable for detecting Zinc?
A very low frequency (VLF) metal detector is suitable for detecting Zinc due to its ability to discriminate between different types of metals, and you can set it to focus on Zinc.
Can I find Zinc in everyday locations like parks or my backyard?
While it’s not impossible, Zinc isn’t typically found in everyday locations like parks or backyards unless the area has a history of mining or is near a natural mineral deposit.
What are some tips for metal-detecting Zinc in a beach environment?
When metal detecting for Zinc at the beach, it’s useful to focus on areas where heavier objects might have settled, like dips or depressions, and to search after a storm when the sand has been disturbed.
What safety measures should I take when metal detecting for Zinc in mining areas?
It’s critical to ensure the area is stable and safe from hazards like loose rocks and open shafts, and it’s always a good idea to have someone with you for safety reasons when exploring old mining sites.
How should I clean and preserve the Zinc I find?
Cleaning Zinc should be done gently with warm water and a soft brush, and for preservation, it’s best to keep it in a cool, dry environment to avoid corrosion.
Is it profitable to metal detect for Zinc?
While it can be a fun and rewarding hobby, metal detecting for Zinc typically isn’t a significant source of income due to the relatively low value of Zinc. The primary value comes from the joy of the hunt and potential historical or sentimental value of the finds.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about the Best Places to Find Zinc Metal Detecting?
So in the article, I talked about the best places to find zinc metal detecting and I’ve explained the exact area you need to search for.
The best places to find Zinc when metal detecting include old or abandoned mining sites known for Zinc deposits, as well as beaches, rivers, and streams where Zinc-bearing rocks may be uncovered by water flow and erosion. Always remember to seek necessary permissions and follow local laws.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently naked questions as well.
I hope I covered all you wanted to know about the best places to find zinc metal detecting. So, get your detectors ready and head out to these locations to find your first zinc piece.
