Northern Territory Government

Fossicking in the Northern Territory

Fossicking in the Northern Territory

Renowned for its abundance, quality and variety of gems and minerals, Australia's Northern Territory is a vast land of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered!

Whether you are on your own, with friends or family, fossicking is a unique and fun way to see and explore some of the most scenic outback landscapes the Northern Territory has to offer.

Fossickers have unearthed an array of gems and minerals across the Territory, including agate, amethyst, apatite, epidote, beryl, garnet, gold, jasper, magnetite, mica, microcline, pyrite, quartz, ribbonstone, tourmaline and zircon.

A number of dedicated fossicking areas are located throughout the Territory to encourage more people to seek out these hidden treasures.

From the beauty of the Red Centre through to the "Golden Heart" of the Territory, Tennant Creek and beyond to Pine Creek in the Top End, why not join the growing number of people who have discovered how addictive fossicking can be!

Before you embark on your next fossicking adventure in the Northern Territory please take the time to read through the information, including factsheets and useful links to other information of interest, provided for you on this website.

By familiarising yourself with the relevant requirements you will ensure that your experience is a happy and enjoyable one!

Reported illegal mining and unauthorised fossicking in the Pine Creek areas

NEWS / 05 October 2023

The Department is looking into the reported illegal mining on mineral leases ML31020 and EL30419 located near the Pine Creek Township....

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Fred Fossicker attends 2023 Darwin 4WD, Boating and Camping Expo

NEWS / 28 June 2023

The NT Prospectors and Detectorists Association Inc (NTPDA) participated in the highly anticipated 2023 Darwin 4WD, Boating and Camping Expo....

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Reported illegal mining

NEWS / 28 April 2023

There have been reports of illegal mining on mineral title EL31774 located on the Cox Peninsular Rd....

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Fossicking on Pastoral Leases

NEWS / 18 August 2022

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in countries close to Australia....

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Illegal Fossicking – Mount Bonnie Mineral Leases

NEWS / 05 July 2022

On Monday 4 July 2022 the department received a report from the holder of the Mount Bonnie mineral leases, advising they had noticed illegal excavation and removal of mat...

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