Great prospects to find nuggets - do you have a miner’s right?

Victoria’s walking tracks are not exactly paved with gold but you never know when someone will stumble across a nugget, with a lucky family finding a 20-ounce piece of gold over the weekend.

Victoria’s walking tracks are not exactly paved with gold but you never know when someone will stumble across a nugget, with a lucky family finding a 20-ounce piece of gold over the weekend.

The nugget is reported to be worth around $35,000, with the family discovering it by chance while walking their dog north of Bendigo on Mother’s Day.

The find on the weekend is a timely reminder of both the enjoyment of walking in the Victorian bush, and the need to purchase a miner’s right if searching for gold.

Recreational fossicking is a great activity for families, friends and grey nomads, providing opportunities to exercise, relax and socialise as well as connect with Victoria's rich history and beautiful regions.

Those out searching and panning for that nugget are also spending their money across regional Victoria in the bakeries, stores and servos that support local communities and jobs for country Victorians.

Fossicking and small-scale commercial prospecting can result in some big eureka moments. A recent episode of the Discovery Channel’s Aussie Gold Hunters featured Mick Clark and Neville Perry discovering a 2.4kg gold nugget, worth around $150,000, near Dunolly earlier this year.

Searching for gold and other minerals can be great fun, but fossickers must think of their safety and that of others - particularly after heavy rain when rocks can be dislodged and land near rivers may become unstable.

Fossickers should always tell someone where they are going, when they will return and should always be beware of any old mine shafts in the area.

Minerals are owned by the Crown on behalf of all Victorians, and recreational fossickers must hold a miner's right to keep any gold they find.

Permission must be gained from property owners to access private land. Recreational fossickers must be mindful of their obligations and not damage vegetation or disturb Aboriginal sites.

Earth Resources Regulation’s Inspectors based in Bendigo, Ballarat and other locations around the State can conduct spot checks.

Visit our recreational prospecting and fossicking page to purchase a miner's right, or learn about fossicking rules and responsibilities.

If you are keen to learn more about fossicking and prospecting, contact the Prospectors and Miners Association Victoria at pmav.org.au.

Quotes attributable to Earth Resources Regulation’s Executive Director Anthony Hurst:

“Recreational fossicking has a long and rewarding history in Victoria, it’s important modern gold hunters are aware of the rules and how to remain safe.”

“Good luck to the family who found the nugget on the weekend, it’s a good reminder to think about purchasing a miner’s right if you visit historic gold discovery areas – it could be the best $24.20 you ever spend!”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: 03 8392 6913