Logan City and Scenic Rim residents looking for something to do and somewhere different to go in Queensland during the holidays might want to consider fossicking.
There has been an upsurge in the number of people fossicking for gold, sapphires, emeralds and opals in Queensland’s hotspots for precious metals and gems.
More than 18,000 fossickers’ licences have been issued in just the last two financial years.
With gold worth nearly $2,500Aus, fossicking can be very rewarding.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said fossicking is a popular outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy – right here in Queensland’s backyard.
“Whether you’re hunting for gold in Charters Towers and Clermont, searching for sapphires around Emerald or looking for the vibrant and colourful gemstones of Agate Creek, and western opals at Yowah and Opalton – Queensland is a fossicker’s paradise,” Mr Stewart said.
“It’s been a tough year for Queenslanders but we’re encouraging everyone to get out and support our regional communities and explore our state’s natural beauty by urging more families to put fossicking on your must-do list these holidays.”
Just 3 years ago, a big sapphire, the Pride of Tomahawk was discovered at Anakie.
It was found by an amateur fossicker and it’s described as (being) the size of a golf ball.
And one of the rarest and most significant sapphires found in the history of gem mining was discovered in central Queensland more than 80 years ago.
The Stonebridge Green weighs a big 202 carats and is owned by a fourth-generation gem miner at Anakie who is a major collector of unique Australian sapphires.
Mr Stewart said during the COVID-19 intrastate travel restrictions, fossickers have been especially welcome in many far flung, small centres of the state.
“Find your fortune using hand tools such as picks, shovels, hammers, sieves, shakers, electronic detectors and other similar tools,” he said.
