Placer deposits

Placer deposits are naturally accumulated concentrations of valuable minerals, such as gold, gemstones, or other heavy metals, that have been transported and deposited by water. These deposits form when materials like heavy metals are eroded from their original location, carried by rivers or streams, and settle in areas where the water slows down, such as river beds or beaches. Over time, this process concentrates the valuable minerals, making them easier to extract for mining. In essence, placer deposits are natural "concentrates" of precious materials resulting from the movement and sorting action of flowing water.