Prosecutions over illegal fossicking at Lightning Ridge

Eight people have this week been successfully prosecuted for illegal fossicking in Lightning Ridge.

The fossicking (or noodling) took place on one of the two mullock dumps in the famous opal fields earlier this year.

The Grawin Glengarry Sheepyards Miners Association has two mullock dumps and these can only be legally fossicked when one is closed to dumping.

In this instance the fossickers were on the dump where trucks were unloading, presenting a significant safety risk.

Should an accident occur the GGSMA would be held responsible.

The eight people were arrested by police from Lightning Ridge at the Mulga Mullock Dump at Grawin in February this year. All were charged under Sections 12(4) and 175A(1a) of the Mining Act 1992 for trespassing on a mineral claim.

There have been eight previous court cases on this matter before it was finalised.

According to the Deputy Director General Minerals from the Department of Primary Industries, Alan Coutts, such activities will not be tolerated.

"We have a tough prosecution policy and we are determined to stamp out illegal fossicking, in a community that derives most of its wealth from the legal operation of opal mining."

All eight pleaded guilty and received fines of $150 plus court costs.

Since the arrests earlier this year, the GGSMA has closed down one of the mullock dumps as it has been filled to capacity.

“It’s now more important that fossickers should not be on the dump as the GGSMA have now closed down one mullock claim and trucks can only deposit mullock on the remaining dump” said Mr Coutts.

“Anyone caught fossicking on the remaining dump could be arrested and charged and face similar or greater penalties”.