Recreational gold mining

Recreational gold mining and prospecting has become a popular outdoor activity several countries, including New Zealand (particularly in Otago), Australia, South Africa, Wales (at Dolaucothi and in Gwynedd), Canada and the United States especially.

At one time if individuals were to discover gold (or any other minerals) in their property, it would belong to the Crown, being the Australian Government and not to private entitlement.

Today, recreational gold mining can be carried out in several areas such as Warrego[1] near the town of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, Clermont[2] in Queensland and Echunga Goldfield[3] in Southern Australia.

[6] With permission granted from the Indonesian Department of Tourism and the local village chiefs, fossicking for gold can be carried out in several regions that are accessible to international tourists.

In the UK, gold prospecting can only take place with the explicit permission of the riparian owner, and any activities that cause or permit pollution of a watercourse, even re-suspended silt, could result in a criminal prosecution by the Environment Agency.

In the eastern US, a zone of lode and placer gold deposits extends in the Piedmont region from Alabama to Maryland.

Gold pans and shovels are commonly allowed, but sluice boxes and suction dredges may be prohibited in some areas.