Latest facts

Hi

I have spent 17 years in different OZ mines underground drilling holes and using explosives each day. I then worked for 26 years in an area of legislation.

I just love research.

The first steps in "SA GOLD MINING FOR DUMMIES"...no offence is meant to anyone. But get the facts right.

1. No miners right is now needed in SA.
2. The Mining Act applies but the Mining Regulations have been revoked.
3. Check the definitions in that Act relating to the definitions of "fossiking" and "prospecting" and apply those that apply to you. ( I cant make it too easy for you)
4. Old records of mines in SA, I have every one (well almost) from the 1800 to early 1900. Lots of detail about each one, amount processed assaying etc. Records show Tarcoola area is/was by far the richest and most interesting in those days and more consistent for reef mining.
5. You must keep off registered mining leases unless you have permission. Respect their leases and their rights. Look for the posts with indicator arms that show their location. (In WA because of the trees you cant see the posts so they add plastic streamers to some of the trees and they flap in the wind.)
6. You can fossick on an Exploration Licence without the companies permission but still must have permission from the landowner.
7. A lot of the old records show rich finds at the start, then sinking shafts and the reef cuts out or is not payable. Remember this before you take it on, but thats gold mining. Its a risky business.

When working in a WA gold mine years ago I fired my stope, came back and washed the face (quartz) and free gold sparkled along the footwall. Beautifull sight in quartz.

Years ago we were sinking a private shaft in "squib country" (narrow reef) that assayed at 7 ounces to the ton. It was $90 per ounce in those days. A trail in the pan about an inch and a half long. I fired the shaft and it all fell in and never went back to have another go. I often wonder what happened to that area if someone else took it on.

Kind Regards to ALL.
COLIN.

G'day Colin

Interesting report on SA we never hear much about SA at all.

[quote][/Years ago we were sinking a private shaft in "squib country" (narrow reef) that assayed at 7 ounces to the ton. It was $90 per ounce in those days. A trail in the pan about an inch and a half long. I fired the shaft and it all fell in and never went back to have another go. I often wonder what happened to that area if someone else took it on.
quote]

At the gold price now it would pay quite well to clean it out I would have thought. That's about 11k to the ton now less expenses'

cheers dave

6. You can fossick on an Exploration Licence without the companies permission but still must have permission from the landowner.

New to me, have things changed in the last 6 months.?

Narrawa wrote:

6. You can fossick on an Exploration Licence without the companies permission but still must have permission from the landowner.

New to me, have things changed in the last 6 months.?

An epm only entitles the owner to sole pegging rights for the term of the exploration lease it dose not give them any right to stop anyone from prospecting on the epm.
Its just that you can't peg any ground on the epm.
And for fark sake don't tell any one where you found anything on ground that is under epm as if the epm holder finds out he can legally pegg your find and there is nothing you can do about it, and once its pegged you can't enter anymore!

I prospect on epm's all the time and I have had the epm holders come and try kick me off on many occasion's but I know my rights and stand on them!
They try and use peoples ignorance of their rights to bully them off the ground, and in most cases it works as who reads the legislation and really knows their rights.

Sounds to me that SA should try and bring back their miners right that would give you more rights.

Cheers.

Mike.

Guest wrote:Sounds to me that SA should try and bring back their miners right that would give you more rights.  

Cheers.  

Mike.  

A fair comment, however, you do need to decide if you intend to Fossick, Prospect or Mine. All very different activities.

In SA as likely in other States, gold etc in the ground and other minerals are owned by the Crown (Govt). As a fossicker you are permitted to access areas at Mount Crawford: https://www.forestrysa.com.au/recreation-mountloftyranges/mount-crawford-kuitpo__trashed/fossicking/ (registration and small fee payable) and

Jupiter Creek and Chapel Hill both near Echunga: https://www.mindat.org/loc-130447.html

Further reading: http://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/minerals/exploration/fossicking

If you intend to mine, then you will need to apply for a Miners Right. If you intend to sell any minerals found in said undertaking you will need to pay Royalties to the Crown :https://sedc.webs.com/documents/Prospecting%20in%20SA-1.pdf

Good luck.

I am a newbie to this stuff but my take so far is you are so restricted here in SA the only hope of finding gold is to head across the border. Would be interested in others view.

SA the capital of limited liberties! do as I say state!