What is fossicking?
Fossicking involves searching for and collecting minerals, gemstones, or mineral-bearing material from the surface (or by digging from the surface) with hand-held tools.
People enjoy fossicking as a recreational activity because it allows them to discover the beauty and diversity of NSW’s mineral wealth. The Mining Act 1992 and the Mining Regulation 2016 set out the laws that people must adhere to when fossicking. These laws exist to ensure fossicking activity in NSW is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner and to protect the rights of landowners and others with legitimate claims on the land, including native title rights and interests.
You can only fossick for recreational, tourist, or educational purposes, and you must follow the NSW Resources Regulator’s Fossicking: A guide to fossicking in NSW 2023.
Find out where you can fossick on Crown land
The Mining Act 1992 allows you to fossick on some Crown land, without needing permission. However, there are exceptions:
- If the land is managed by a Crown land manager, you will need to get their permission first.
- If the land is leased, the lessee has exclusive tenure of the land.
- If the land is licensed by someone else, you will need to get permission from Crown Lands.
To make sure you have enough time to get permission, plan ahead and contact us early to check the status of the land you want to fossick on.
To get started:
- Contact us
- Provide our staff with the location where you want to fossick
- Our regional office team can help you check the land status
- Applications, if needed, must be submitted 2 months before you start fossicking.
Fossickers must follow the rules of the Mining Act 1992 and the Mining Regulation 2016, as well as the Fossicking: A guide to fossicking in NSW 2023 which sets out:
- restrictions on equipment.
- surface disturbance restrictions.
- restrictions on material taken.
- mineral ownership.
Additional information
Environmental impact
When fossicking, make sure to protect the environment. Avoid harming plants, waterways, and wildlife habitats. Always follow the fossicking guide to be environmentally responsible.
Safety guidelines
Always put safety first. Wear the right clothes and shoes, bring enough water, and stay aware of your surroundings. It's also a good idea to fossick with a friend and let someone know your plans and when you expect to return.
Respect for cultural heritage
Respect the cultural heritage of the areas where you fossick. Do not disturb or take any artefacts or objects of cultural importance. If you're unsure about the cultural heritage status of an area, always ask for permission.
Legal compliance
Under the Mining Act 2016 and Mining Regulation 2016, failure to follow any of the requirements outlined in Fossicking: A guide to fossicking in NSW 2023 may result in fines of $750 for an individual or $1,500 for a corporation, with a maximum court-imposed penalty of $5,500.