金价上涨催生淘金热，淘金者真能“一夜暴富”吗

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rising trend of gold panning in China, driven by soaring gold prices, while also emphasizing the legal risks and challenges faced by amateur gold miners [1][20]. Group 1: Gold Panning Trend - The international spot price of gold reached a record high of $4,350 per ounce in October 2025, fueling a surge in gold panning activities [1]. - Many individuals, like Chen Fei, have left their jobs to pursue gold panning full-time, viewing it as a potential lucrative opportunity [2][6]. - Social media platforms have become hubs for gold panners to share experiences, tips, and even maps of potential gold mining locations [5][6]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Risks - Gold is classified as a protected mineral resource in China, and unauthorized gold panning activities are considered illegal [1][20]. - The new Mineral Resources Law, effective from July 1, 2025, imposes strict penalties for illegal mining, including fines ranging from 100,000 to 1 million yuan [17][19]. - Legal experts warn that many amateur gold miners are unaware of the legal implications of their activities, which could lead to significant penalties [20][21]. Group 3: Challenges and Realities of Gold Panning - The majority of rivers do not contain extractable gold, and many areas have already been extensively mined, making it difficult for amateurs to find gold [11][15]. - The success of gold panning heavily relies on experience and knowledge of geology, with many newcomers relying on luck rather than skill [9][10]. - Seasonal changes significantly affect gold panning activities, with colder weather limiting outdoor operations [6][10]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Equipment Sales - The rise in gold prices has led to increased sales of gold panning equipment, with some products selling thousands of units online [7][9]. - Professional gold miners with experience can identify promising locations, while amateurs often struggle to achieve similar results [9][10].