You can see the government PR machine's thinking: " 'What can we do to keep the poor distracted?' What do upcountry folks like more than anything else? A chance to be rich. We could keep them busy digging holes in northeastern wasteland for years in the slim hope of striking it lucky."

There be gold on them there Bar girls

Thems be sittin' on lil' gold mines.

I am not familiar with this area. Does anyone know if this is placer or hard rock ??

I'm not a rock hound and don't claim to have complete knowledge of the area, but the mining I knew about took place inside hills and mountains.

Thanks for the reply. I placer mined for a long time, and was curious. Only ground I have seen being worked is in the Pai area.