What to do with gold you find

Your finds

Minerals are the property of the Crown. If you discover gold or other minerals or gemstones on land not covered by a mining tenement, and the ground is Crown land (under the Mining Act 1978), then you are free to keep what you have found (as long as you hold a Miner’s Right).

If you find gold or other minerals on a mining tenement where you have have permission to prospect, then these may only be kept with the permission of the mining tenement holder.

Section 40E Permit holders must advise Exploration Licence holders and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) of any minerals recovered, within 14 days of permit expiry, cancellation or surrender.