Metal detecting and mining for gold is a hobby that is increasing in popularity. There are more people getting equipment and wanting to get outside and enjoy the excitement that comes with finding a hidden treasure. Do you need a licence to mine for gold? Something that many do not realise is that in most states and territories across Australia, you require a licence to metal detect and for fossicking. This licence is to ensure that people are not only looking out for themselves but also for their surroundings.
Getting your fossicking or mining licence
The rules for mining and metal detecting are different across the various Australian states and territories. It is best to check the requirements for your state before you get started. The different licence requirements for each state and territory are:
- Victoria: A Miner’s Right is required.
- New South Wales: A Fossicking Permit is required for fossicking in state forests, otherwise not required.
- Queensland: A Fossicking Permit is required.
- Tasmania: A prospecting license is required.
- Western Australia: A license is required.
States that do NOT require a license:
- Northern Territory: No license required.
- South Australia: No license required.
- ACT: Most of the ACT is a national park where fossicking isn’t permitted
How much does a licence cost?
The cost of the licence varies depending on the state you are in, and the licence required. You can check out the details for the cost and length of time it is valid for on your local government websites.
Code of conduct
Not all of the states require licences, however all states and territories require you to comply with a code of conduct when undertaking mining or detecting. The code consists of:
- Ask permission – if you are looking to fossick on private property, you must ask permission of the owner before undertaking any activities. If you are not permitted to enter than you can get in a lot of trouble
- Cover up any holes – if you find something that is worth digging up, you should fill the hole back in once you are done. Where possible it is best to cut into the ground and pull it out as a plug, so that it can easily be lodged back in once you are done.
- Leave gates as you found them – if you enter through a gate that was closed, make sure you close it behind you. This includes on private property and fire trails.
- Avoid national parks and heritage sites – You should always check for permission before detecting. Most national parks are off limits for metal detecting.
- Check with your local council – it is always best to check with your local council before getting started to find out which areas are off limits and where you are allowed to conduct your searching.
- Hold your relevant licence – if your state requires you to have a licence, ensure you have this up to date and can provide it if you are asked to show it.
Gold mining and metal detecting is a hobby that can be enjoyed by all and it is important that when you are undertaking the activity that you do so in the right way. We live in a beautiful country that is surrounded by national parks, heritage listed properties and beautiful areas. The last thing we want to see is any of it getting ruined and not taken care of. You can undertake the hobby, without damaging the environment.
For all your gold panning, mining and metal detecting needs, Lucky Strike Gold are here to help. With a huge range of products from beginner to expert you will have everything you need for your new hobby.
For more information, advice on what equipment to use or to update your current equipment, get in touch with the team today.