Fossicking for gems and ‘detecting’ for gold have become increasingly popular pursuits for grey nomads in recent years … but a number of recent incidents show the need for great care when chasing that ‘big find’
While Australia’s goldfields and gemfields are often fantastic places to meet like-minded adventurers and share experiences, they are also generally located in remote and rugged country and are not to be taken lightly.
Just last week, an 80-year-old man was lucky to be found alive and well after he went missing in Western Australia’s remote Goldfields. Ralph Gordon Craig, who has a number of medical conditions, was found about five kilometres south-east of his campsite near Coolgardie after failing to meet a friend as arranged.
Also last week, a man who became lost in bushland on a fossicking trip in Tasmania’s north-was rescued after spending a cold and wet night sheltering in a hollow log. The 56-year-old experienced treasure seeker was located by a rescue helicopter after losing his bearings at Preolenna near Wynyard.
And earlier this month, another prospector Peter O’Shaughnessy, 76, was found dehydrated but otherwise in good health a day after going missing near the Bullock Holes Timber Reserve north-east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder,
Last year Michael Graham, 46, disappeared while fossicking for gold near Menzies, also in WA. His body was never found and the coroner later ruled he likely died through misadventure.
The ABC reports that Mr Graham’s death and recent searches prompted a review of safety guidelines by the Department of Mines, with prospectors being urged to carry safety locators.
Statistics just from Western Australia who that the number of people applying for the most basic type of fossicking permit have more than doubled in the past decade.
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I like the idea of fossicking/metal detecting myself..
I’m just wondering if a Little old hand held GPS would not be one of the most important devices to have in your possession..
Also depending on the location a hand held UHF radio might be handy especially if you leave your partner back at camp..
In a flat scrub area the UHF should give you enough range to contact your base camp…
If you have the money to go out and buy a Minelab 5000+[for example] what is a few more to make sure you are safe…
Juergen
You will ALWAYS get someone who does the wrong thing… I take a GPS and an emergency Satellite Messenger SPOT System if I wander of… For the sake of a few dollars I can make sure I can get back or communicate my location as well as sending out an SOS….
http://international.findmespot.com
You would not travel without a Jack or Wheel Spanner, why leave yourself in a position where you are on your own and in trouble…
I also like the idea of fossicking/metal detecting myself.
maybe one day ill get sorted and have a go.