Gold-dredging is a term used to describe the process of mining gold from riverbeds or other areas of sediment using a dredge. There are several synonyms for this term used in mining and prospecting industries. Some of the popular expressions include gold panning, sluicing, and prospecting. Gold panning refers to the process of using a pan, either metal or plastic, to extract gold from stream beds or river bottoms. Sluicing, on the other hand, is the process of using a water channel to wash gold-bearing gravel or dirt into a sluice box, which captures the gold nuggets and particles. Finally, prospecting involves searching for gold deposits in new locations or previously undiscovered areas.