World News – AU – Find a fortune and have fun browsing CQ

Fossing for gold, gemstones, and metals has seen a surge in popularity in central Queensland and the state.

Gold and gem hunters must apply for a fossicker license, with more than 18. 000 of the permits issued in the past two years.

With gold currently valued at nearly $ 2,500 an ounce, there has never been a better time to enjoy nature and take the chance to make it rich.

Some of the best fossils and gem fields in the country and the world are in the region or within a few hours’ drive.

Gladstone’s Leading Edge Electronics store on Tank and Auckland Streets is a certified Minelab metal detector retailer and has everything you need to get started.

The Port Curtis Metal Detecting Social Club has 252 Facebook members and regularly hosts events in the area where people can try their luck with metal detectors.

The Metal Detection World Championships were held near Gympie in 2019 and attracted participants from all over the world.

Resource Secretary Scott Stewart said fossicking is a popular outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy.

“Whether you’re looking for gold in Charters Towers and Clermont, looking for sapphires in the Emerald area, or looking for the vibrant and colorful gemstones of Agate Creek and western opals in Yowah and Opalton, Queensland is heaven Fossicker, « said Mr.. Stewart said.

« It’s been a tough year for Queenslanders, but we encourage everyone to support our regional communities explore the natural beauty of our state by encouraging more families to put fossils on their must-do lists this vacation. « . ”

Regional Queensland has a history of spectacular fossil recordings, a 1st. 1,763 kg of gold nugget was found in a paddock in the Charters Towers area in 2017, and in the same year a giant sapphire called the Pride of Tomahawk was discovered in Anakie.

During the COVID-19 travel restrictions, fossickers were especially welcome in many distant small centers in the state.

« Find your fortune with hand tools like picks, shovels, hammers, sifters, shakers, electronic detectors, and other similar tools, » said Stewart.

“You can collect gemstones, ornamental stones, minerals, alluvial gold – including nuggets and some fossil specimens, but not meteorites or vertebrate fossils. ”

« Before you go out, make sure you have packed sunscreen, hats, and lots of water – fossicking is thirsty work, » said Stewart.

“We also recommend that fossickers wear long trousers and boots or wear shoes for protection.

“Fossickers must also remember to fill in the hole they dug so the area is safe for others.

« State government officials are conducting targeted on-site inspections to ensure that fossils are being carried out safely and people are following the rules. ”

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Fossicking, Gold, Queensland