{"id":"tas:sr-1996-176","name":"Mineral Resources Development (Fossicking Areas) Order 1996","slug":"mineral-resources-development-fossicking-areas-order-1996","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"176 of 1996","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":319121,"registerId":"tas-tas:sr-1996-176-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-08","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### 1 Short title\n\n> This order may be cited as the [Mineral Resources Development (Fossicking Areas) Order 1996](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-1996-176) .","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### 2 Commencement\n\n> This order takes effect on the day on which its making is notified in the *Gazette*.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"### 3 Interpretation\n\n> In this order –\n> \n> > ***Hydro-Electric Corporation*** means the Hydro-Electric Corporation within the meaning of the [Hydro-Electric Corporation Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-057) ;\n> \n> [*\\[Clause 3 Amended by No. 50 of 2013, Sched. 1, Applied:10 Dec 2013\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2013-12-10/act-2013-050#JS1@Ja18@GC1@EN)\n> \n> > [*\\[Clause 3 Amended by No. 50 of 2013, Sched. 1, Applied:10 Dec 2013\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2013-12-10/act-2013-050#JS1@Ja18@GC1@EN) ***State forest*** means permanent timber production zone land within the meaning of the [Forest Management Act 2013](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2013-049) .","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Fossicking areas","content":"### 4 Fossicking areas\n\n> The areas of land specified in Parts 1-11 of [Schedule 1](#JS1@EN) to this order are declared to be fossicking areas for the purpose of the [Mineral Resources Development Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-116) .","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 1 - Fossicking areas","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 1 - Fossicking areas","content":"# SCHEDULE 1 - Fossicking areas SCHEDULE 1 - Fossicking areas\n\n[Clause 4](#GS4@EN)","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Coal Hill fossicking area","content":"# Part 1 Coal Hill fossicking area\n\n[Part 1](#JS2@HS1@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Colebrook Hill fossicking area","content":"# Part 2 Colebrook Hill fossicking area\n\n[Part 2](#JS2@HS2@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Gladstone fossicking area","content":"# Part 3 Gladstone fossicking area\n\n[Part 3](#JS2@HS3@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Killiecrankie fossicking area","content":"# Part 4 Killiecrankie fossicking area\n\n[Part 4](#JS2@HS4@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"Part 5","sectionType":"part","heading":"Lord Brassey fossicking area","content":"# Part 5 Lord Brassey fossicking area\n\n[Part 5](#JS2@HS5@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"Part 6","sectionType":"part","heading":"Lune River fossicking area","content":"# Part 6 Lune River fossicking area\n\n[*\\[Part 6 of Schedule 1 Amended by S.R. 2003, No. 155, Applied:17 Dec 2003\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2003-12-17/sr-2003-155#GS4@EN) [Part 6](#JS2@HS6@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"Part 7","sectionType":"part","heading":"Magnet fossicking area","content":"# Part 7 Magnet fossicking area\n\n[Part 7](#JS2@HS7@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"Part 8","sectionType":"part","heading":"Penguin fossicking area","content":"# Part 8 Penguin fossicking area\n\n[Part 8](#JS2@HS8@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"Part 9","sectionType":"part","heading":"Tunnel Marsh fossicking area","content":"# Part 9 Tunnel Marsh fossicking area\n\n[Part 9](#JS2@HS9@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"Part 10","sectionType":"part","heading":"Weld River fossicking area","content":"# Part 10 Weld River fossicking area\n\n[Part 10](#JS2@HS10@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"Part 11","sectionType":"part","heading":"Weymouth fossicking area","content":"# Part 11 Weymouth fossicking area\n\n[Part 11](#JS2@HS11@EN) [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN)","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 2 - Plans","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 2 - Plans","content":"# SCHEDULE 2 - Plans SCHEDULE 2 - Plans","sortOrder":16}],"analysis":{"summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The order appears to have remained true to its original intent — designating fossicking areas for recreational mineral collection in Tasmania. Amendments since 1996 likely reflect updates to specific listed areas rather than any fundamental change in purpose or scope."},"complexity_factors":["Very narrow and specific subject matter — simply designates geographic areas","Operates as a subordinate instrument (statutory order) rather than standalone legislation, so full understanding requires reference to the parent Act","Amendments over time (since 1996) may have added or removed specific areas, requiring cross-referencing with amending instruments","The text provided does not include the actual schedules listing specific fossicking areas, limiting full assessment"],"plain_english_summary":"This Tasmanian order under the Mineral Resources Development Act formally designates specific lands as fossicking areas where the public may recreationally search for and collect rocks, minerals, crystals or gemstones. It affects hobbyist fossickers, landowners/managers and tour operators by creating legal, licence-free spaces for collecting; outside these areas fossicking can be unlawful. The instrument has existed since 1996 and was last updated in 2013 (current law as of 2026)."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The order's core purpose—declaring named lands as fossicking areas—remains. However, the text shows amendments to definitions in clause 3 (amended by No.50 of 2013, Sch.1) and a substitution of Part 6 of the Schedules (S.R.2003 No.155), which altered at least one mapped plan and the wording of defined terms. Those amendments adjust boundaries and definition scope but do not create a new substantive regulatory scheme beyond the original declaration function."},"complexity_factors":["Very narrow subject‑matter: only declares particular areas as fossicking areas (cl.4; Schedule 1).","Reliance on schedules and maps for operative effect (Schedule 1 lists areas; Schedule 2 contains plans).","Simple commencement mechanism (Gazette notification) and two defined terms only (cl.2; cl.3).","Cross‑references to external Acts for legal context (Mineral Resources Development Act 1995; Hydro‑Electric Corporation Act 1995; Forest Management Act 2013).","Minor amendment history altering definitions and a substituted plan (cl.3 amended by No.50 of 2013, Sch.1; Part 6 substituted by S.R.2003 No.155) but no new regulatory regime or detailed compliance regime introduced."],"plain_english_summary":"This order declares specific parcels of land listed in its Schedules to be fossicking areas under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995. It defines two terms (Hydro‑Electric Corporation; State forest), takes effect on Gazette notification, and is administered by Tasmania Development and Resources. The measure affects recreational fossickers, land managers and regulators by authorising fossicking in mapped areas and therefore changes who may access sites and the sites' legal status."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: declaring specific fossicking areas. The 2013 amendment updated the definition of 'State forest' to reflect new forestry legislation, but this was a technical update rather than an expansion of scope. The order has not grown beyond its original intent of designating recreational fossicking zones."},"complexity_factors":["Only 2 defined terms in the interpretation section (Hydro-Electric Corporation and State forest)","Single operative provision (clause 4) with straightforward declaratory language","No conditional logic, exceptions, or nested provisions","Structure is purely administrative — a list of areas with accompanying maps","Minimal cross-referencing (only to parent Act and definitions Acts)","Length is short — approximately 11 parts with minimal substantive text"],"plain_english_summary":"This is a Tasmanian law that officially designates 11 specific areas of land where people can go **fossicking** — that's the recreational activity of searching for and collecting minerals, gemstones, or fossils using hand tools.\n\n**What it does:**\n- Declares 11 specific locations across Tasmania as \"fossicking areas\" under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995\n- These areas are: Coal Hill, Colebrook Hill, Gladstone, Killiecrankie, Lord Brassey, Lune River, Magnet, Penguin, Tunnel Marsh, Weld River, and Weymouth\n- Includes maps (in Schedule 2) showing exactly where these areas are located\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Recreational fossickers** — people who want to pan for gold, search for gemstones, or collect minerals as a hobby\n- The **Hydro-Electric Corporation** and land managers of **State forests** (defined terms in the order)\n- Anyone needing to know where fossicking is legally permitted without a mining lease\n\n**Why it matters:**\nWithout this order, fossicking might be illegal or require complex permits in these areas. By declaring these specific zones, the government creates clear, legal spaces where hobbyists can search for minerals without needing full mining licences. It balances recreational access with land management by restricting fossicking to defined boundaries."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/mineral-resources-development-fossicking-areas-order-1996","history":"/api/acts/mineral-resources-development-fossicking-areas-order-1996/history","analysis":"/api/acts/mineral-resources-development-fossicking-areas-order-1996/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/mineral-resources-development-fossicking-areas-order-1996/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/mineral-resources-development-fossicking-areas-order-1996/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/mineral-resources-development-fossicking-areas-order-1996/documents"}}