The official word from the DPI.

The following is a quote from an email I received today from the DPI in relation to the question I asked:

"You only need a Miner's Right for Minerals and Gemstones.   Relics are covered by Heritage Victoria and you should contact them."

Not as informative as I would have hoped but it does give a little food for thought.

The way the DPI see it is that I can go out and look for relics and coins as much as I want and there is no need for me to have a Miner's Right to do this, however, If I were to find a bit of gold for example, then I would not be able to rightfully own it and I would need to hand it to the state. My interpretation of this would also be that the DPI could not charge you with any offence if you did not produce a Miner's Right and you had no minerals or gemstones on your person at the time.

Now I guess the next step is to contact Heritage Victoria and seek their opinion on this matter.

Bear in mind that you just never know if or when you may come across that lovely gold nugget, and with no Miner's Right, IT'S NOT YOURS.

• Respect private property and do not enter without the land owners permission.
• Do not destroy property, buildings or what is left of ghost towns and deserted structures.
• Do not litter, always take with you what you take in and remove all trash dug in your search.
• Leave all gates and other accesses to land as found.
• Appreciate and protect our heritage, natural resources, wildlife, and private property.
• Be thoughtful, use consideration and courtesy at all times.
• Abide by all laws, ordinances, by-laws or regulations that may govern your search, or the area you are in.
• Fill all holes, regardless how remote the location, and never dig in a way that will damage, be damaging to, or kill any vegetation.
• Report the discovery of items of significant historical value to a local historian or museum in accordance with the latest legislation.
• Be an ambassador for the metal detecting and relic hunting hobby. Be polite and informative to those who inquire about your hobby - you are the ambassador of a pastime we want to protect and we will be judged by how you act & respond.

I cannot take credit for the above list as I found it on a website somewhere which I have been unable to find since.