The technique of panning is used mostly to try and find which metal?

Panning is a form of mining used to extract gold from a sediment, such as soil or sand. It is a simple process typically using a light, circular metal dish (pan) with a flat bottom. The pan is partially filled with the sediment, then immersed in water. By shaking the pan, the heavier sediment sinks to the bottom, leaving any pieces of gold on top. Whilst it is a slow process, it remains popular because of its low cost and relative simplicity.

Evidence of panning dates back to ancient Rome (8th-5th century BCE), where they extracted gold from streams and mountainsides. Over time, the design of pans has changed, resulting in differing sizes today. Pans range in size from 10-17 inches (25–43 cm), with 14 inches (36 cm) being the most popular.

Pans are manufactured in both metal and plastic. Whilst metal pans are sturdier, plastic resists rust and corrosion. Occasionally, pans are produced from wood, such as the Spanish pan or 'batea'. They are used where less water is available.

To cover larger areas, a rocker box is used to extract gold. This is a faster method because the box can hold far more sediment than a pan. They are used at places such as the Super Pit gold mine, in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, which produces around 456,000 troy ounces (14.2 t) of gold a year.