A prospector has been fined $2500 in the Kununurra District Court.
| Date: | Monday, 11 February 2019 |
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A prospector has been fined $2500 in the Kununurra District Court for burning ground in the Halls Creek area in July last year.
On 21 January 2019, the man pleaded guilty to wilfully lighting, or causing to be lit, a fire likely to injure or damage.
He was charged under the Bush Fires Act 1954 for burning spinifex on a pastoral lease. The prospector’s actions were observed by a liaison officer from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
The prospector was within his Mining Act Section 40E permit area on an exploration licence.
DMIRS Resource Tenure Executive Director Rick Rogerson said prospectors need to be aware that it is an offence to burn vegetation for prospecting-related purposes.
“Such selfish actions, apart from being illegal, can endanger other prospector’s lives, as well as their vehicles, caravans and equipment,” Dr Rogerson said.
“In addition, burning vegetation can impact livestock, infrastructure and cause costly environmental damage for pastoral leaseholders.
“Crown land can be used for many purposes and the rights of other users must be respected.”
For more information about prospecting, Miner’s Rights and Section 40E permits go to the prospecting page on the department's website.
