The Department of Natural Resources and Mines is an economic development agency that enables the productive and responsible use of our natural resources – water, land, mineral and energy resources – to generate wealth and prosperity for current and future generations of Queenslanders.
The Department of Natural Resources and Mines works with industry to sustainably develop and manage Queensland’s resource assets and deliver a safe, world-class mining industry. The department is responsible for policies and procedures to facilitate exploration and development of our resources for the economic benefit of Queensland.
Mining has been vital to the development of Queensland through establishing inland towns and cities as well as providing jobs and billions of dollars in export earnings. The department promotes the state’s potential, assists in land access negotiations, collects and distributes geological data, manages safety and health standards and encourages environmental best practice.
View Mud MapA permit is required to fossick on the Designated Fossicking Land.
Designated Fossicking Land is a State Wide Network of reserved ground to allow people access to the States vast Gemstone and Mineral Deposits. Other conditions apply for Private Land, State Forests etc.
Information is readily available from Queensland Mineral and Energy Centre.
For the Beginner, the most important step is to identify a preferred area to dig. In designated fossicking areas, this is easily identified.
