The NSW Resources Regulator in collaboration with NSW Fisheries and the NSW Police Force has investigated an incident of alleged illegal fossicking using a power-operated dredge in the Meroo River near Mudgee. Investigations are continuing into a second alleged incident.
The location
The Meroo River, Avisford, is in the Mid-Western Regional Local Government Area and is located
approximately 35km west of Mudgee. The Meroo River is a perennial watercourse and is a tributary of
the Cudgegong River.
The incidents
On 6 June 2018, NSW Fisheries officers were patrolling the Meroo River and observed a floating dredge
in the centre of the watercourse. The dredge was equipped with a petrol motor, sluice and various intake
and outlet lines. The sighting of the dredge was reported to the Resources Regulator and NSW Police.
On 7 June 2018, detectives from the NSW Police Force Rural Crime Investigation Unit attended the
same location and observed a male person using the powered operated dredge to mine for gold in the
watercourse.
On 26 July 2018, NSW Police again observed the same male person using the dredge in the
watercourse unlawfully. All information obtained by police was referred to the Resources Regulator.
The investigation
The Regulator has issued a 35-year-old Parkes man with a $2,500 penalty notice for the offence of
“mining or prospecting without authorisation” for the alleged offence detected on 7 June 2018. Further
enforcement action may be taken in relation to the alleged offence detected on 26 July 2018.
A prohibition notice has also been issued to the man ordering him to discontinue illegal fossicking using
power operated equipment in NSW.
The mining laws
Illegal fossicking and illegal mining are serious offences under the Mining Act 1992 and carry penalties of
up to $1.1 million.
Should you observe illegal fossicking or illegal mining please report it to the Resources Regulator on
1300 814 609.
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