Suggestion to make a certain mechanic less frustrating (possible spoilers?)

I'm not sure if this has been suggested yet, but I often find the places that you can pan for ore are a bit out of reach. Can we make the panning tray thing upgradable with iron, gold, ect... It could be similar to the hoes and watering can where holding it down will extend the reach. Maybe add more veins to be panned as well.