Gold prospecting in Queensland is a fantastic way to explore the bush and chase that next nugget. But before you head out, it’s important to understand the rules around fossicking so you stay legal and avoid fines.

This guide explains Queensland’s fossicking laws in simple terms — and how The Panners Mate fits within those rules.

Do You Need a Licence to Prospect for Gold in QLD?

Yes.

In Queensland, recreational gold prospecting is legally called fossicking, and you must hold a valid fossicking licence issued under the Mineral Resources Act 1989.

A fossicking licence allows you to:

• Search for and collect gold and other minerals for recreational purposes

• Keep what you find

• Use approved hand tools

• Prospect in designated fossicking areas or where you have landholder permission

You must carry your licence with you while fossicking.

Where Can You Fossick in Queensland?

You can fossick in:

• Designated fossicking areas

• General permission areas

• Private land (with written landholder permission)

You cannot fossick in:

• National parks

• Conservation parks

• Wildlife reserves

• Areas under certain mining leases (unless permission is granted)

Always check land status before heading out. Regulations are administered by Queensland Government, and it’s your responsibility to confirm access.

What Equipment Is Allowed?

Under a standard fossicking licence in Queensland:

✅ You CAN use:

• Gold pans

• Picks and shovels

• Sieves and classifiers

• Hand-operated equipment

• Metal detectors

❌ You CANNOT use:

• Powered pumps

• Motorised sluices

• Dredges

• Excavators or machinery

The law is very clear: fossicking must be done using hand tools only.

Hole Depth and Environmental Responsibilities

Queensland regulations require fossickers to:

• Dig only small holes (generally no deeper than 2 metres)

• Backfill holes when finished

• Prevent erosion

• Leave the area safe and tidy

• Follow local fire and vehicle rules

Environmental care is part of keeping fossicking areas open for everyone.

Can You Sell Gold You Find?

You may keep and sell occasional finds.

However, if you are regularly removing material for sale or operating commercially, you will need proper mining tenure under Queensland law. Recreational fossicking is not intended for commercial-scale operations.

Does The Panners Mate Comply With Queensland Fossicking Laws?

Yes.

The Panners Mate has been designed specifically to comply with Queensland fossicking regulations.

Here’s how:

✔ Hand-Operated Only

The Panners Mate requires no electricity, no pumps, and no motorised components. It operates entirely by manual rotation and material agitation.

✔ No Machinery

It is not a powered sluice, dredge, or excavation device. It is a portable hand tool.

✔ Minimal Environmental Impact

Because it works efficiently with minimal water and processes material in a controlled way, it:

• Reduces unnecessary disturbance

• Minimises water use

• Encourages small-scale, responsible fossicking

Why Compliance Matters

Queensland fossicking rules are there to:

• Protect the environment

• Protect landholders

• Keep fossicking areas open

• Prevent unsafe excavation

• Separate recreational prospecting from commercial mining

Using compliant equipment like The Panners Mate helps demonstrate that modern prospectors can be efficient, responsible, and environmentally aware.

A Quick Reminder

Fossicking laws can change, and access conditions may vary between areas. Always:

• Hold a current fossicking licence

• Check land access before you go

• Follow local regulations

• Respect landholders and other prospectors

For official information, refer directly to Queensland Government resources.

Prospect Smarter in Queensland

Queensland offers some fantastic gold country — from creek beds to dry inland areas.

With the right licence, the right knowledge, and the right equipment, you can prospect confidently and legally.

The Panners Mate gives you:

• Flat-pack portability for remote areas

• Minimal water use

• Full compliance with Queensland fossicking regulations

Prospect responsibly. Recover more gold. Travel lighter.

Photo Credit: parks.qld.gov.au