The past few weeks have been nothing short of chaotic for the prospecting community, with the PMAV (Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria) finally admitting that OzGeology, the YouTuber, was correct: prospecting on S7 land is illegal. This admission comes after three weeks of the PMAV vehemently denying the claim, dismissing concerns, and even resorting to name-calling, referring to OzGeology as a "faceless social media wannabe" rather than engaging with the legitimate issues raised.
The reversal occurred on Wednesday on the Minelab Show Podcast, where the PMAV finally acknowledged that the law explicitly prohibits prospecting on S7 land. While they conceded that this is what the act states, their response was deeply troubling. They downplayed the importance of the law, with PMAV representatives claiming that it is rarely enforced and that prospecting on S7 land wouldn’t result in legal trouble so as a result, you can can go ahead and break the law and prospect on it in their view. The host of the Minelab Show took it a step further by outright encouraging viewers to prospect on S7 land anyway, stating, “If they’re not enforcing it, you can write anything into a law, but it’s how it is on the actual ground.” Such a cavalier attitude toward the legal framework sends a dangerous message to the prospecting community and undermines trust in organizations that claim to represent our interests.
The PMAV’s President, Jason Cornish, added fuel to the fire by stating, “You look at legalities of an act, and as long as they’re not being enforced, why would you bother raising a red flag?” This statement is astounding and raises serious questions about the PMAV’s role and responsibility. Their job is to raise a red flag when areas are banned for prospecting, not to dismiss such bans as inconsequential simply because enforcement is lax. Cornish also stated, “We knew it existed, we’ve talked about it before at the PMAV.” If that’s true, then why did the PMAV spend three weeks misleading prospectors and claiming it was legal to prospect on S7 land? This contradiction is not only frustrating but indicative of a lack of transparency and accountability within the organization.
Cornish also made the claim that “S7 has always been in there and has been for 40+ years.” This is categorically false. The Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act, which governs these classifications, was introduced in 1990, far less than 40 years ago. Furthermore, the S7 restrictions have only become a significant issue in recent years, with a dramatic increase in the number of S7 classifications, especially in 2024. Major goldfields such as Ballarat, one of Victoria’s most important prospecting regions, are now off-limits due to these restrictions. This directly contradicts Cornish’s claim that S7 has “always been in there” and “has no impact.” The impact is very real and growing.
The PMAV also claimed that S7 classifications are temporary, but this assertion doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Areas such as Broadford and Western Lerderderg have been classified as S7 for over six years, with no signs of this changing. If “temporary” means many years with no prospecting allowed, then it’s clear that these restrictions can have significant and lasting effects on the prospecting community. Now, with Ballarat being added to the list, it’s fair to ask: what area is next? The PMAV’s dismissal of these concerns does a disservice to every prospector who relies on accurate information and strong advocacy from the organization.
One of Cornish’s most egregious claims was that S7 restrictions are only imposed after mining, prospecting, and exploration licenses expire. This is demonstrably false. Ballarat, for instance, hasn’t had active licenses since the 1980s, so why impose S7 restrictions now? This justification is completely baseless and raises further questions about how these classifications are determined and communicated to the public.
The PMAV’s behavior throughout this ordeal has been nothing short of disappointing. As an organization that claims to advocate for prospectors, they have not only failed to provide accurate and timely information but have actively misled the community. Encouraging illegal activities, downplaying the impact of S7 restrictions, and mocking individuals like OzGeology who raise legitimate concerns is unacceptable. Prospectors rely on the PMAV to be a trustworthy source of information and a voice for our rights, but their handling of this situation suggests otherwise.
Jason Cornish’s statement, “Why would you bother raising a red flag?” encapsulates the PMAV’s failure to fulfill their responsibility. Their role is to raise a red flag when prospecting rights are threatened... not to dismiss the issue as unimportant simply because enforcement is inconsistent. The fact that they now admit to knowing about these restrictions but spent three weeks claiming otherwise shows a troubling disregard for the truth and for the community they are supposed to represent.
As someone who followed their advice in good faith, I feel betrayed. The prospecting community deserves better. We need accurate information, honest leadership, and organizations that are willing to stand up for our rights while respecting the law. Instead, the PMAV and the Minelab Show have chosen to misinform, contradict themselves, and undermine their credibility. This is not acceptable, and it raises serious concerns about their ability to effectively advocate for prospectors in the future. Prospecting on illegal land is a big gamble to take. The fines are massive. The possibility of losing your miners right is very real, as is the possibility of being taken to court.
What are your thoughts on this? Should the PMAV and the Minelab Show be held accountable for their actions and statements? And how can we, as a community, ensure better transparency, honesty, and integrity moving forward?
The reversal occurred on Wednesday on the Minelab Show Podcast, where the PMAV finally acknowledged that the law explicitly prohibits prospecting on S7 land. While they conceded that this is what the act states, their response was deeply troubling. They downplayed the importance of the law, with PMAV representatives claiming that it is rarely enforced and that prospecting on S7 land wouldn’t result in legal trouble so as a result, you can can go ahead and break the law and prospect on it in their view. The host of the Minelab Show took it a step further by outright encouraging viewers to prospect on S7 land anyway, stating, “If they’re not enforcing it, you can write anything into a law, but it’s how it is on the actual ground.” Such a cavalier attitude toward the legal framework sends a dangerous message to the prospecting community and undermines trust in organizations that claim to represent our interests.
The PMAV’s President, Jason Cornish, added fuel to the fire by stating, “You look at legalities of an act, and as long as they’re not being enforced, why would you bother raising a red flag?” This statement is astounding and raises serious questions about the PMAV’s role and responsibility. Their job is to raise a red flag when areas are banned for prospecting, not to dismiss such bans as inconsequential simply because enforcement is lax. Cornish also stated, “We knew it existed, we’ve talked about it before at the PMAV.” If that’s true, then why did the PMAV spend three weeks misleading prospectors and claiming it was legal to prospect on S7 land? This contradiction is not only frustrating but indicative of a lack of transparency and accountability within the organization.
Cornish also made the claim that “S7 has always been in there and has been for 40+ years.” This is categorically false. The Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act, which governs these classifications, was introduced in 1990, far less than 40 years ago. Furthermore, the S7 restrictions have only become a significant issue in recent years, with a dramatic increase in the number of S7 classifications, especially in 2024. Major goldfields such as Ballarat, one of Victoria’s most important prospecting regions, are now off-limits due to these restrictions. This directly contradicts Cornish’s claim that S7 has “always been in there” and “has no impact.” The impact is very real and growing.
The PMAV also claimed that S7 classifications are temporary, but this assertion doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Areas such as Broadford and Western Lerderderg have been classified as S7 for over six years, with no signs of this changing. If “temporary” means many years with no prospecting allowed, then it’s clear that these restrictions can have significant and lasting effects on the prospecting community. Now, with Ballarat being added to the list, it’s fair to ask: what area is next? The PMAV’s dismissal of these concerns does a disservice to every prospector who relies on accurate information and strong advocacy from the organization.
One of Cornish’s most egregious claims was that S7 restrictions are only imposed after mining, prospecting, and exploration licenses expire. This is demonstrably false. Ballarat, for instance, hasn’t had active licenses since the 1980s, so why impose S7 restrictions now? This justification is completely baseless and raises further questions about how these classifications are determined and communicated to the public.
The PMAV’s behavior throughout this ordeal has been nothing short of disappointing. As an organization that claims to advocate for prospectors, they have not only failed to provide accurate and timely information but have actively misled the community. Encouraging illegal activities, downplaying the impact of S7 restrictions, and mocking individuals like OzGeology who raise legitimate concerns is unacceptable. Prospectors rely on the PMAV to be a trustworthy source of information and a voice for our rights, but their handling of this situation suggests otherwise.
Jason Cornish’s statement, “Why would you bother raising a red flag?” encapsulates the PMAV’s failure to fulfill their responsibility. Their role is to raise a red flag when prospecting rights are threatened... not to dismiss the issue as unimportant simply because enforcement is inconsistent. The fact that they now admit to knowing about these restrictions but spent three weeks claiming otherwise shows a troubling disregard for the truth and for the community they are supposed to represent.
As someone who followed their advice in good faith, I feel betrayed. The prospecting community deserves better. We need accurate information, honest leadership, and organizations that are willing to stand up for our rights while respecting the law. Instead, the PMAV and the Minelab Show have chosen to misinform, contradict themselves, and undermine their credibility. This is not acceptable, and it raises serious concerns about their ability to effectively advocate for prospectors in the future. Prospecting on illegal land is a big gamble to take. The fines are massive. The possibility of losing your miners right is very real, as is the possibility of being taken to court.
What are your thoughts on this? Should the PMAV and the Minelab Show be held accountable for their actions and statements? And how can we, as a community, ensure better transparency, honesty, and integrity moving forward?
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