Further to these general comments, prospectors Further information are encouraged to observe the provisions of the

PMAV Code of Conduct whether or not they are DPI’s Minerals and Petroleum Business Centre Prospecting members of the Association. Purchase a Miner’s right online at: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/minpet or contact the Guide Business Centre for more information. The PMAV Code of Conduct Location: Level 16, 1 Spring St, Melbourne, Vic. PMAV members should: Phone: (03) 9658 4600 or fax: (03) 9658 4460. • be informed of all statutory regulations that State forests and other public land govern prospecting activities in Victoria. The Minerals Business Centre can also provide • pursue where practicable, methods to advice relating to forests and other Crown land. improve the natural environment. Parks and reserves • ensure that at all times activities are Parks Victoria Information Centre: 131 963*, or conducted in a manner that complies with visit the web-site at www.parks.vic.gov.au health & safety requirements. • promote responsible prospecting and educate Prospectors and Miners Association others about our Code. Phone: 0408 176 496 or visit: www.pmav.asn.au • only conduct prospecting activities on private Aboriginal cultural heritage land with the consent of the owner. The Aboriginal Affairs Victoria web-site is at: www.dvc.vic.gov.au/aav.htm

Safety while prospecting European heritage For further information call Heritage Victoria on A day in the bush prospecting can be great fun, (03) 9655 6519 or visit www.heritage.vic.gov.au however your personal safety should also be For more information on DPI or the above matters considered: call DPI’s Customer Service Centre on 136 186* • Take adequate water. or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au September 2004 • Beware of mine shafts. • Check the weather forecast and wear ∗ Ask the call centre operators for the nearest DPI or Parks appropriate clothing. Victoria offices for advice on specific locations.

• Fire is a particularly dangerous hazard for ISBN 0 7306 9489 5 prospectors during summer. Be careful with © State Government of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries campfires and always check for fire bans. 2004

• Tell someone responsible where you’re

going and when you will be back. • A basic knowledge of first aid is useful.

Introduction • Use any equipment for excavation on the land, other than hand tools. St Arnaud Range National Park Prospecting typically involves the use of metal • Use explosives. Steiglitz Historic Park detectors, hand tools, pans or sluices in the • Remove or damage any shrubs or trees. search for gold, gemstones and other minerals. • Disturb, destroy, interfere with or endanger an Gemstone only fossicking: archaeological site or Aboriginal place or Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Prospecting can be an exciting experience. object. Otway National Park Many of the world’s largest gold nuggets have Mornington Peninsula National Park been found in the Golden Triangle of central In addition: Victoria. Elsewhere, gemstone fossickers have • You must repair any damage to the land arising found sapphires, zeolites and agate. out of the search. Prospecting is not allowed in Reference • Children under 18 years of age do not need a Areas, most State or National Parks (with the This leaflet, prepared by Parks Victoria, the Miner’s Right if accompanied by an adult exception of those listed above) and certain Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria Miner’s Right holder if prospecting. streams and rivers. These streams and rivers (PMAV), Department of Primary Industries (DPI), • Do not disturb or remove any heritage features are listed on DPI’s web-site. Department of Sustainability and Environment or objects (such as stone tools, middens, (DSE) and the Victorian Gem Clubs Association earthen mounds, bricks, building stone and old Parks Victoria and DPI will be pleased to (VGCA), is designed to help you enjoy this mining machinery. advise you where you are permitted to experience while protecting the natural • Treasure troves (hidden valuables) that may be prospect. Refer to the contact numbers environment and our cultural heritage. discovered while fossicking belong to the overleaf to find out the right person to talk to Crown and must be reported to the Police. in your local area.

Do you need a permit to prospect? Failure to comply with the above can result in prosecution. Minimum impact prospecting Yes, it is called a Miner’s Right. A Miner’s Right You can enjoy prospecting and help minimise is a permit for prospecting in Victoria and must any impact in the following ways: be carried at all times while you are prospecting. Where can I go prospecting? • Prospect only in the permitted area. The only exception is if you are part of an Prospecting is permitted in most State Forests, • Only drive your vehicles on tracks and organised group prospecting under the authority many Reserves and private property with roads open to the public. of a valid Tourist Fossicking Authority. landholder's consent. Only park your vehicle on the roadside. • The Mineral Resources Development Act Prospecting is also permitted in designated • Take all rubbish home or place it in a bin 1990 sets out the rights and obligations of areas in the following Parks: where provided. Do not bury it. the holder of a Miner’s Right. Beechworth Historic Park • Minimise any damage to vegetation Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park including the ground layer. Important points of the Act include that you Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park • Restore the ground as you found it- backfill must not: any holes you dig and replace any leaf • Enter onto private property without the Greater Bendigo National Park litter as it was as soon as practicable. permission of the landowner. Heathcote-Graytown National Park • Prospect on a current Mining Licence without the permission of the licence holder.