NSW Fossicking Districts

Fossicking is the small scale search for and collection of minerals, gemstones or mineral bearing material from the surface (or by digging from the surface) with handheld instruments. This activity may only be undetaken for recreational, tourist or educational purposes. Section 12 of the Mining Act 1992 and Clause 12 of the Mining Regulation 2010 define fossicking as a lawful activity, to be carried out according to the required regulations. Fossicking is generally pemitted to take place on any land, provided permission is obtained from the landowner or land manager, except in National Park and other excepted areas according to the Act. To fossick in State Forest areas a special permit is required.Within a fossicking district, a person can go onto an exploration licence for the purpose of fossicking without the licence holder's consent, provided they have the permission of the landholder. A fossicking district may cover a small area, or an entire Local Government Area (LGA).