[meteorite-list] meteorite hunting in Western Australia

From: Norbert & Heike Kammel <meteorites_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:31:00 +1000
Message-ID: <4877FB44.9040906_at_optushome.com.au>

Hi Goeran,

unfortunately the laws governing the ownership of meteorites in
Australia are quite different in each of our States and Territories.

In Western Australia when you find a _meteorite_ it belongs to the State
and you should hand it in at the Perth museum,
but I assume that quite a few people have found interesting looking
_rocks_ (perhaps looking and feeling quite what others consider being
meteorites), but as not being an expert, these people just pic it up as
interesting rocks and keep them, what is quite legal. However, it would
be an offense if they later sell these _rocks_ as Australian
_meteorites_. You know what I mean?
I guess that's where most of the Millbillillie's come from. However, for
a lot of Australian meteorites which are adequately represented in
Australian institutions you will get a letter of clearance from the
museum. These blokes are not too bad at all, but they also have to abide
to the rules and police the law.

So, Mate, I assume you will _not go meteorite hunting_ but _go out
fossicking for unusual rocks_. And I hope you'll find some really nice
one's.
And if you find on this trip some new and really interesting meteorites,
even martian or some from Venus etc. please leave them where you saw
them so that others will have the same pleasure as you. Or not. :-\

All the very best Goeran, hope you have a great time. And take care out
there.

Best regards from Down-Under,

Norbert Kammel
IMCA # 3420

G?ran Axelsson wrote:
> Hi and thanks for the answer!
>
> I was aware of the export laws and had no intention of bringing any
> meteorite back home without permit. But that it belongs to the
> government in WA was a surprise.
> How could there be so many Millbillillies around with that law? Is it
> a new interpretation or a new law?
>
> If (big if) I would find a meteorite where should I leave it?
>
> I just want to test my luck and finally find a meteorite myself, if it
> ends up in a museum that is fine with me.
>
> I still have a few days before I go out in the wild... well, I decided
> to not stray too far out from the main roads, it should be enough
> round to cover for this vacation anyhow.
>
> /Goran
>
> Norbert & Heike Kammel wrote:
>> Hi Goeran/List,
>>
>> just a quick note to remind you that Federal laws protect meteorites
>> found in Australia and it is an offence to export one without a
>> permit. *In Western Australia and South Australia legislation means
>> that meteorites are the property of the Government and must be lodged
>> with an appropriate Museum.* In other States, the finder is able to
>> keep a meteorite.
>> Also please keep in mind that the areas are VERY remote and not so
>> easy accessable.
>> It is advisable to travel at least with two relyable 4WD's, one
>> driver experienced in Outback travelling.
>> Even though it is now winter time and often rainy carry enough water
>> and food in case you get bogged. Also a SatPhone or HF Radio would be
>> adviseable to carry.
>> The better fields are more east from Kalgoolie, like the Camel Donga
>> strewnfield, in the Nullarbor Plain.
>>
>> Anyway, Welcome to Australia, and have a great time.
>>
>> Best regards from Down-Under,
>>
>> Norbert Kammel
>> IMCA # 3420
>>
>> G?ran Axelsson wrote:
>>> Hi list!
>>>
>>> I'm currently sitting 50 meters from the Indian Ocean and planning
>>> my vacation in Australia. In about a week I will have a lot of free
>>> time and I wanted to spend one week hunting for meteorites here in
>>> western Australia.
>>> I know that I probably can't bring any stones back home but I still
>>> want to hunt.
>>>
>>> Is there any good places to hunt between Perth and Kalgoorlie or in
>>> that area?
>>> Any other places in Western Australia that I should visit?
>>>
>>> Is there any description of the meteorite field in Camel Donga? That
>>> is an area I would like to spend a couple of days in.
>>>
>>> Any other tips for me?
>>>
>>> Apart from meteorite hunting, I'm invited to a wedding and I'm going
>>> to hunt for gold so I have my metal detector with me.
>>>
>>> /G?ran
>>> ______________________________________________
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>>> Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
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>>>
>>>
>>
>
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Received on Fri 11 Jul 2008 08:31:00 PM PDT