Planning for panning

[Rafiqthelucky]

Hello everybody. My name is Rafiq. I am a student and I am very interested in gem prospecting. I am planning to come to Australia next Summer for a month. I would like to spend at least 3 weeks by prospecting for gemstones and gold(it is not legal in my country). How do you think, may I cover my costs(approximately 3000 dollars) just with prospecting?

 

[Ramjet]

Hello Rafiq

Welcome to Prospecting Australia.
Plenty of good information on the forum.
I am not very experienced at prospecting but I think you would have to work very hard and be very lucky to make $3000
iin 3 weeks.
I'm sure some of the more experienced and knowledgeable members will be able to give you a better idea.
I hope you enjoy your trip when you come over and best of luck with your prospecting.

Cheers

Ramjet

 

[Rafiqthelucky]

Thank you very much Ramjet. Nice to hear that there is a chance. I hope it is not in microscale

Rafiq

 

[Ag Man]

Hi Rafiq & welcome to the forum.

To be honest, you got such a small chance at making $3000 in 3 weeks prospecting, even for a very experienced prospector who knows the area very well.

Come for a holiday & have a crack at prospecting & if you find something of value then that would be a bonus.
When you do come here, make sure to let the forum know & you may be able to get a local to help you out with a likely spot to find some gems or some gold.

Cheers - Marty

 

[user 1769]

Hi Rafiq,

I guess it depends on how you go about it. If you've been doing this for a while, with the right tools and experience, and knowing exactly where to go, I'd say yes, you could cover costs. And while you hear of people finding a big nugget in their first trip, it is very rare, and I'd say realistically your chances are slim.

One more thing to think about: As far as the Australian authorities are concerned, you might be considered to be working, which would be illegal under most visa categories. If I was you I'd keep fairly quiet.

 

[WalnLiz]

Welcome to the forum Rafiq. If you come to Australia for a holiday you will be rewarded in many ways. You're main goal would have to be "enjoyment" and not "financial".

You will more than likely return home with some gold and gems, but to rely on them for the visit could damped your spirits if luck is not on your side. Like Ag says, get involved with the forum posts and make a few good friends and your chances of success will improve greatly.

Best of luck in your quest and enjoy the wonders this country has to offer.

Cheers Wal

 

[Rafiqthelucky]

Thank you all for your replies.

Thanks Marty, I would definitely inform you.

mfdes, are you sure that it is illegal for foreigners? Isn't there some kind of tax for recreational prospecting?

WalnLiz, I want to cover at least some part of my costs, because as a student I won't be able to afford all of it. But it doesn't mean that my purpose is pure financial. As I stated above, I have a really big interest in gemstone prospecting. This is so exciting because you don't know what will you find, and the gems are so beautiful. Actually in my case I would like to spend at least half of the month prospecting. I am considering to sell some part of my findings, while the other parts to become jewelry and I would like to bring it back to my country and to give as present to mother, aunt, grandmother and etc The other half I would like just to travel and see Australia. By the way my interest to prospecting in Australia began with your videos, thank you for sharing them.

 

[user 1769]

Hi Rafiq,

I'm sure it's not illegal for foreigners to prospect. What I was trying to say is that the Australian authorities might consider that prospecting for money is working, and it is illegal to work when you're in Australia under a visa such as a holiday visa. I think you're pretty safe because you won't be at a work site or being paid a wage, but it's something to think about.

All the best.