The Amalgamated Prospectors and Leaseholders of Western Australia.

Most of the W.A. goldfields were till recent times locked up by corporate interests and it was very difficult to find areas to prospect as an individual or tourist. This represents about 26 million hectares. APLA are to be congratulated for fixing this. Remember the freedoms you take for granted have been fought for by other people. 

From: tassie  (Original Message)

Sent: 2/01/2002 1:28 PM

Hi,   I have worked on various gold mines in WA and would just like to say that it doesn't hurt to approach the mine manager of a gold mine and ask about prospecting. They are generally great people and may allow prospecting on certain areas. I have known a few strikes by persons doing just this. Disturbed ground may produce a strike that may have gone unnoticed.   The mine managers can also provide invaluable information on old workings and risks in the target areas. And it is good to have the back up of the Emergency Response Team on site in case of an emergency.   Just because the lease is a minig area, does not automatically make it off limits. Ask and you may be rewarded with a chance. Just remember to follow the instructions given and respect the environment and wishes of the company.   Happy hunting.   Tassie73

Just a new perspective: I was in the goldfields of WA during the early 1970's. I left to raise kids and do the family thing. I have been back in Kal for the last two years and found massive changes in the art of prospecting. THE MAIN PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE USE OF MACHINERY. Bull dozers and other mechanical devices have put paid to loaming for colour. The ground around historical mine sites has been eaten by open-cut mining or excluded by mining companies as protected zones. This is understandable with the current emphasis on liability and risk minimisation. But, it has denied a very large section of important mining areas from access by hoby detectorists.

Mining rights in WA depend on: which area and which company. Some companies have a liberal attitude towards detector users and others have a bloody-minded approach. Siberia, north of Ora-banda, has had warning signs out for years. I can't recall the actual content, but the message is; you will be hung, drawn and quarted if you try and detect here. . . someone else may provide verification on this point.

So, in general, detect anywhere that you will. If you get an angry ant telling you to move on . . . do so, with good grace.

I know a few professional prospectors around the town. They are very likely to go ballistic if they come across you on their ground. That being said, I'm an old timer. I look for datum posts; papers and that kind of thing. If I don't see em then, it's a good place to spend a day.

The most important thing to remember is: someone always owns the ground you are on!

Aquire a large dose of humble-pie.

I have never been kicked off ground ever. Most prospectors are reasonable people who wish you would find something on that miserable piece of dirt they have been paying for.  Just tell them what you find and where, if you have an arrangement.

It's wild west country out there folks. You have to look after yourself.

The best bet is talk to the locals and judge their advice with a thought towards 'the safe bet'.

Ring companies, or better still, see managers on-site to gauge their mood about detecting.

Heck, I once went to a lot of trouble to see a manager at a mill. He said " Hell! People are detecting around the place all the time. You are the first who asked for permission."

I appoligised because I had set a precedent and went on my way. . . .  detecting and not a word was spoken to me.

Don't stand on the toes of the companies and the prospectors and you'll be fine . . . in my opinion.