The joys of treasure hunting were highlighted last week when a lucky gold hunter near Ballarat unearthed a 5.5kg nugget worth an estimated $300,000 … but, sadly, it’s the need for care when out seeking that ‘big find’ in remote areas is that is in the spotlight this week.
State Emergency Services volunteers and police have been searching for days for prospector Michael Graham, 46, since he went missing near Menzies in the West Australian Goldfields.
The father-of-two, who is from New South Wales, was on a prospecting trip with friend Peter Holloway when he disappeared. The pair had been staying at a campsite 70km north-east of Menzies. When Mr Holloway woke on January 13, Mr Graham was gone. It is believed he wandered away from the camp during the night. His vehicle was still there and it is not known if he had access to food or water.
As part of the search, a helicopter has plotted the old mineshafts in the area, which are then being searched with the aid of a camera on the end of a cable.
