Knew I'd seen something before on this. Got this from a similar thead on WA Prospecting forum:
"Dear Mr?
I refer to your email query of 15 February 2013 regarding prospecting using hand held equipment.
Regulation 4O of the Mining Regulations 1981 states:
4O. (1) A permit holder is not to use powered or hydraulically driven hand tools on the land the subject of the permit. A permit referred to here is one issued after application is made under Section 40E of the act to enable prospecting on a granted Exploration Licence.
Under Regulation 4O the equipment referred to in your email such as a Shaw portable Backpack drill or cordless 36 volt rotary hammer drills or a 4 stroke hand held jack hammer cannot be used under a Section 40E Permit.
Under Section 40D (2)(b) of the Mining Act 1978 when using a Miners Right on Vacant Crown Land you must not use explosives or tools, other than tools prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph or hand tools.
As tools have not been prescribed for this purpose the hand tools you described in your email can be used. ( Shaw portable Backpack drill or cordless 36 volt rotary hammer drills or a 4 stroke hand held jack hammer)
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact ? of this office on the telephone number below.
Regards
Manager, Mining Information Counter
Tenure & Native Title Branch
Mineral Titles Division
DEPT OF MINES AND PETROLEUM
100 Plain Street, East Perth, Western Australia 6004
Tel: +61 8 9222 3111 Fax: +61 8 9222 3444"
Best bet contact the above to re-confirm that this is still the case.
