Prospecting and fossicking play an important role in Western Australia’s rich mining history and continue to offer valuable opportunities for individuals and small-scale operators to explore the State. The department encourages all prospectors and fossickers to be well informed: respecting Native Title, private property, and environmentally sensitive areas. Through our online systems we have made geoscience and land tenure information freely accessible, helping you make informed decisions. Our goal is to promote safe, sustainable exploration practices that protect land, heritage, and community interests while encouraging mineral discovery.
Download our guide to prospecting in Western Australia for more information.
Mining tenure types in Western Australia
Mining companies are granted an authority, lease, licence or permit by the Government to explore or develop mineral resources.
Penalties for illegal prospecting
The department investigates allegations of unauthorised mining activity.
Print this page
