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A$200,000 Gold Spud Found in Outback
9 Nov
Summary
- Massive gold nugget weighing 1,218 grams found in NSW.
- The discovery, nicknamed 'Tibooburra Spud', is worth up to A$200,000.
- Persistence paid off for prospector after years of searching.
An amateur prospector in New South Wales has unearthed a remarkable gold nugget weighing 1,218 grams, a find that could fetch up to A$200,000. The discovery, made on Mount Stuart Station near Tibooburra, has been affectionately nicknamed the 'Tibooburra Spud' by its finder, who wishes to remain anonymous. The nugget contains approximately 940 grams of pure gold, valued at around A$150,000 to A$160,000 at current spot prices, with collectors potentially offering more for its unique specimen appeal.
The prospector described the signal from his metal detector as faint, noting he almost missed the substantial find buried just 100 millimeters below the surface. This discovery underscores the patience and persistence required in gold prospecting, a hobby with a long history in the Tibooburra region, dating back to the late 1880s. While fossicking on the Tibooburra Common is currently restricted, nearby stations offer access for a fee, drawing enthusiasts with the allure of finding gold flakes or larger nuggets.
Beyond the potential financial windfall, prospecting is celebrated for its benefits, including enjoying the tranquility of the outback and engaging in a family-friendly pastime. The finder's advice to fellow prospectors is to remain persistent, digging every detected target, a strategy that led to this life-changing discovery after years of searching through less valuable scrap metal.
