Giving a miner's right for Christmas is a great way to introduce friends and family to Victoria's historic regions, the excitement of exploring for gold – and it could result in a valuable discovery.
Recreational prospecting is a great activity for families, friends and grey nomads, providing opportunities to exercise, relax and socialise as well as connect with the state's rich history and beautiful regions.
In Victoria, recreational prospectors must possess a miner's right, which allows them to keep any gold they find. There are almost 65,000 active miner's rights in Victoria and the rush to get involved shows no sign of slowing with more than 10,000 purchased in during 2021.
A miner's right can be purchased online for $25.55 by visiting earthresources.vic.gov.au.
Prospecting is a low impact way of looking for gems or minerals using metal detectors, picks, shovels, sieves and pans. The use of mechanical equipment or explosives is not permitted, and vegetation and Aboriginal objects must not be removed or damaged.
Activities are permitted in state forests and regional parks, some national parks, state parks and waterways. Landholder permission is required before entering any private property.
Earth Resources Regulation oversees prospecting and has produced a Guide to Recreational Prospecting in Victoria, outlining the rules and providing handy tips for both newcomers and the more experienced alike.
Inspectors regularly check miner's rights and ensure prospectors are doing the right thing.
Searching for gold can be great fun and can result in Eureka moments. Valuable discoveries have been made in recent times, with a gold nugget worth about $200,000 discovered by a prospector in 2019.
When out in the bush prospectors must be aware of safety - particularly during hot weather or after heavy rain when rocks can be dislodged and land near rivers may become unstable.
Recreational prospectors 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.
Quotes attributable to Earth Resources Regulation's Executive Director Anthony Hurst:
"Giving someone a miner's right for Christmas is a great way to introduce loved ones to the state's historic gold regions and the enjoyment of searching for gold using metal detectors or hand tools like sieves and pans– and it could result in a discovery!"
"Recreational prospecting has a long and rewarding history in Victoria, it's important modern gold hunters are aware of the rules and how to remain safe."
