PMAV Code of Conduct

The Prospectors & Miners Association of Victoria has developed the following code of conduct in cooperation with public land managers, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (Resources) and Parks Victoria and First Nations.

PMAV members should:

  • Be aware of all statutory regulations that govern prospecting activities in Victoria. Specifically the Miners Right est1855 a part of our heritage.
  • Pursue where practical, methods to improve the natural environment.
    Care for country.
  • Ensure that at all times, activities are conducted in a manner that complies with health and safety requirements.
  • Only conduct prospecting activities on private land with the consent of the owner.
  • ‘Fill your hole’ The PMAV lobbied successfully to have stickers placed on all detector coils (manufactured in Australia), asking prospectors to be respectful to the bush and community.
  • Adhere to heritage and cultural laws. Leave First Nations and post-colonial sites as they are. Report any new sites found, damaged or in poor repair.
  • Promote responsible prospecting and educate others about our code.

In addition to the above the PMAV and the states public land managers have produced the Victorian Prospecting Guide.  PDF format.

The PMAV acknowledges the many diverse prospecting and mining pioneers who came to Australia seeking their fortune, in turn creating a generation of proud Australians and the Australian tradition of searching for gold. This is our heriatge.

The PMAV also pay their respects and acknowledges the First Nations people of Victoria, the traditional custodians of this land and all past, present and emerging elders.