Fossicking Information
Discovering the Undiscovered
What is fossicking?
Fossicking is leisure, pleasure and treasure all moulded into one!
Fossicking is an invigorating and adventurous journey into some of the earth's most exquisite and mystical natural creations. It's a unique and fun way to see and explore some of the Northern Territory's most scenic landscapes.
It's a non-commercial, recreational activity involving searching for and collecting rocks, minerals and crystals by digging by hand or using hand held implements, to a depth of up to one metre. [top]
Do I need a permit?
To fossick in the Northern Territory you must hold a Fossicker's Permit issued under the Northern Territory Mining Act.
| A Fossickers Permit must be carried at all times when fossicking and produced on request of an authorised representative of the Northern Territory Government, the person or organisation on whose land you are fossicking or, the holder of an Exploration Licence, or Mining Tenement for the land on which you are fossicking. |
Registration Form and Licence [top]
How do I become a bona fide fossicker?
Fill in the Fossicking Permit and Registration Form. Make yourself familiar with the information on this website, print off and keep the permit in a safe place, then mail or submit form electronically to become a bonafide Northern Territory Fossicker. There is no cost for a personal Fossicking Permit. [top]
What can I discover?
- Minerals
- Gemstones (precious stones)
- Semi-precious stones (ornamental stones)
- Crystals
- Alluvial gold, including nuggets
- Rocks [top]
What should remain undiscovered?
Fossils of Vertebrate Animals
- These are animals having a spinal column or notochord including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians
- Fossil specimens referred to as "type specimens" are of scientific importance and are protected.
Meteorite Fragments
- These are of scientific value and should not be tampered with.
Booty
Fossicking in the Northern Territory can be conducted for recreational purposes but not for commercial gain. As a courtesy to other fossickers please do not remove, from any area, more than your fair share of material.
Selling the occasional lucky discovery, or selling or swapping material to hobbyist at exhibitions is permitted. however, selling minerals as a profit-making venture that contributes substantially to your income is considered commercial and is not permitted. [top]
Where can I fossick?
Fossicking Areas have been declared by the Northern Territory Government over a number of good gem and mineral sites in the Northern Territory. Permission is not required to enter Fossicking Areas as all necessary clearances have already been obtained by the Government. However, access to Fossicking Areas may be by designated roads or tracks and restrictions may apply at certain times of the year. Fossicking Areas will be clearly signposted.
Land where special access conditions apply for fossicking
Vacant crown land
Permission is not required to enter and fossick on Vacant Crown Land.
Private land and pastoral leases
Written permission is required from the land owner or pastoral lessee or their representative, who are entitled to set conditions of entry to their property. To assist fossickers and pastoralists proforma permission forms for entry to these lands are available from agents who provide Information Kits.
Exploration Licences
Written permission is not required to fossick on an Exploration Licence (unless you wish to fossick for gold when written permission of the holder of the Exploration Licence is required.)
Exploration Retention Licences
If you wish to fossick on an Exploration Retention Licence written permission is required from the holder of or applicant for an Exploration Retention Licence.
Mining tenements
These include: Mineral Leases, Mineral Claims, Extractive Mineral Leases and Extractive Mineral Permits. Written permission is required from the holder of or applicant for a Mining Tenement before you fossick on one of these titles.
Northern Territory parks and reserves
Written permission is required from the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory to fossick in NT Parks and Reserves. Web site: http://www.nt.gov.au/ipe/pwcnt/ [top]
Land where fossicking is not allowed
Aboriginal Land
To fossick on Aboriginal land a permit must be obtained from the Land Council for the area where you wish to fossick.
Aboriginal Sacred Sites
For information on Sacred Sites please contact the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority in Darwin on (08) 8981 4700 or Alice Springs on (08) 8952 6366. Web site: http://www.nt.gov.au/aapa
Commonwealth Land
Eg: RAAF Tindal and other defence facilities, Uluru and Kakadu National Parks. [top]
**IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL FOSSICKERS**With the exception of Fossicking Areas and Vacant Crown Land all Fossickers should obtain permission before entering any land You should not interfere in any way with the lawful activities of the landowner and/or occupier of a pastoral lease, holder of an Exploration Licence, Exploration Retention Licence or Mining Tenement. [top] Special notes for fossickersFossickers should be aware that any breach of the provisions of the Northern Territory Mining Act may result in cancellation of their Fossicker's Permit and/or prosecution under the Northern Territory Mining Act. Persons who undertake fossicking activities should take proper precautions concerning their personal safety and security of their belongings. The Northern Territory of Australia accepts no responsibility for injury, loss or damage arising from fossicking activities. [top] Expected behaviourThe Northern Territory Government supports and encourages fossicking, However, you are asked to respect the environment, show consideration to others, be familiar with the guidelines and respect the additional rules of conduct outlined below: [top] Please don't:
Please do:
What equipment can you use
Equipment not permitted
Ins and outs of digging
CampingA Fossicker's Permit does not entitle you to camp anywhere you wish. Although, camping is permitted on some Fossicking Areas (refer Individual Maps). Fossicking Areas where camping is permitted do not provide any on site facilities, including water supplies.[top] Personal safetyThe Northern Territory's extreme temperatures can make it hazardous to inexperienced fossickers. Following a few simple safety tips may make your fossicking adventure more enjoyable:
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