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

There has also been the reporting of fossicking on mineral titles EL31524, EL29882, EL29886 and MLN1070 without notifying or gaining consent from the title holders.

Under the Mineral Titles Act 2010 (MTA), if you are intending to fossick for gold on a granted mineral title you must obtain the written consent of the titleholder if they are actively conducting authorised activities on that land.

It is an offence under the Mineral Titles Regulations 2011 (MTR) to enter land requiring consent, without first obtaining that consent. This offence is subject to a maximum penalty of $14,080.

Authorised Officers from the department will be undertaking impromptu visits to these areas. To avoid the risk of prosecution, please ensure that you have on your person the relevant documents outlined at Regulation 108 in the MTR.

These documents are:

• photographic identification of the person;
• in  relation  to  relevant  land  mentioned  in  regulation 98(1) – proof that the person gave a fossicking notice to the specified person for the land;
• in relation to relevant land mentioned in regulation 98(2):
  • if the specified person for the  the land to the fossicking request – the document giving consent; or
  • if the fossicker has entered land as  as  authorised by section 168 of the Act – proof that the person gave a fossicking request to the landowner.