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Kinney Mining Co. is a PRIVATE MINE.
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* ATTENTION: WE REQUIRE EVERYONE WHO IS PARTICIPATING IN ONE OF OUR DIG OPTIONS, TO BE A MEMBER *
Jana Shell
Prospecting Guide
With over three decades of experience as an avid rock hound, I bring a lifetime of geological curiosity and hands-on field knowledge to every expedition. My journey began more than thirty years ago exploring the rugged landscapes of New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona, and Montana, where I developed a deep respect for the land and its hidden treasures.
My Story
For over twenty years, I have pursued recreational gold mining, eventually becoming a Small Miner in McCall, Idaho, where my claims contain an impressive variety of 23 different gems, minerals, and gold deposits. My work with the Golden Star Mining Company in Payson, Arizona, spans more than a decade and includes field prospecting, sample collection, and laboratory assay operations. During that time, I also honed skills in smelting and even designed and built my own trommel system during the COVID-19 lockdown.
My passion for geology is matched only by my enthusiasm for sharing it. With extensive knowledge of Arizona’s diverse mineralogy — from the red rock formations of Sedona to the mountain ranges of central Arizona — I enjoy helping others uncover both the science and the wonder behind each discovery. Whether leading field trips, identifying specimens, or guiding newcomers through the art of gold panning, I approach every experience as both an educator and a lifelong student of the Earth.
Prospecting isn’t just something I do — it’s a part of who I am. Each rock, mineral, and fleck of gold tells a piece of the earth’s story, and I feel honored to help others experience that same sense of wonder and connection with the land.
Let's get you scheduled!