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Mineral Resources Tasmania

Fossicking areas

There are many localities within Tasmania containing interesting collectable geological material with interest to collectors, or with potential for lapidary purposes. In recognition of the recreational activity of fossicking, some of the best of these areas have been set aside for the use of fossickers. A prospecting licence is not required to fossick within declared fossicking areas. For more information on prospecting in Tasmania please click here.

The areas below have been declared official Fossicking Areas under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 (MRDA). This means they are specially set aside for the use of fossickers and gem and mineral collectors, and will normally not be included in any exploration licence or mining lease application.

The areas extend from the ground surface to a depth of two (2) metres. Below the two metre limit, the ground may be included in an exploration licence or mining lease. Explorers will be expected to use the same prospecting methods as fossickers, i.e. no costeaning, trenching, large scale pitting or drilling without the written permission of the Director of Mines, subject to conditions to protect the integrity of the site.

Conditions apply to the use of Fossicking Areas. Fossickers should avoid causing undue damage to the land, and should take only a ‘fair share’ of material. Don’t be greedy! Fossicking areas are set aside for the long-term use of amateur fossickers and cannot sustain any degree of commercial collecting.

Please read the Conditions Relating to Fossicking Areas and be sure to abide by them when in the field.

The specific locations and conditions of use of these areas can be found using the links below. Fossicking areas in Tasmania may be viewed using the MRT Map Viewer .

Current declared fossicking areas are: