AN illegal mining operation in a river near Mudgee has resulted in a $2500 fine for its operator.
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In early June, NSW Fisheries officers were patrolling the Meroo River at Avisford, around 35 kilometres west of Mudgee, and observed a floating dredge in the centre of the watercourse.
“The dredge was equipped with a petrol motor, sluice and various intake and outlet lines,” a post to the NSW Police Rural Crime page states.
“The sighting of the dredge was reported to the Resources Regulator and NSW Police.”
A day later, on June 7, a NSW Police Mudgee rural crime investigator attended the location and “observed a male person using the powered operated dredge to mine for gold in the watercourse”.
“On July 26 2018, NSW Police again observed the same male person using the dredge in the watercourse unlawfully,” the Facebook page stated.
The Rural Crime Facebook page states that a 35-year-old Parkes man has now been issued with a $2500 penalty notice for the offence of mining or prospecting without authorisation.
“A prohibition notice has also been issued to the man ordering him to discontinue illegal fossicking using power operated equipment in NSW,” the page said.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
