Amateur finds massive gold nugget in New South Wales
A hobbyist using a metal detector found a large gold nugget, dubbed the 'Tibooburra Spud', at Mount Stuart station in New South Wales. The find is trending due to its rare size and high estimated value, which could reach $200,000 if sold to a collector [1], [2].
What happened
- Mid-October
An amateur prospector discovers a 1.2kg gold nugget while searching near Tibooburra [1], [2]
What you need to know
The nugget contains roughly 940 grams of pure gold and is flecked with quartz [1], [3].
Based on spot prices, the find is worth between $150,000 and $160,000 [1], [2].
The prospector used a Gold Monster 2000 metal detector to locate the piece [1], [2].
Fossicking is permitted for a fee at Gumvale and Mount Stuart stations [1], [3].
It is not confirmed if the nugget has been sold to a collector yet [1].
Background
Gold prospecting in the Tibooburra region began in the late 1880s and remains a tourist attraction [1], [3]. While fossicking is banned on the Tibooburra Common due to pending Native Title permissions, some private stations allow it [1], [3]. Experts note that finding nuggets over one kilogram is extremely rare, as most prospectors only find small flakes or nuggets weighing a few ounces [1]. High gold prices earlier this year have reportedly increased interest in the hobby [1].
Questions people ask
What is the 'Tibooburra Spud'?
It is the nickname given to a gold nugget weighing over 1.2kg found in outback New South Wales [1], [3].
Where can people legally fossick in the Tibooburra region?
Fossicking is allowed for a fee at Mount Stuart and Gumvale stations, though it is currently banned on the Tibooburra Common [1], [3].
Where this came from
[2] perthnow.com.au
‘Nearly walked past it’: Huge $200k gold nugget discovery
Preview image from perthnow.com.au
[3] 1news.co.nz
'Tibooburra Spud': Man digs up 1.2kg gold nugget in outback Australia
Preview image from 1news.co.nz
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.