A gold prospector in Far North Queensland has decided to sell his mining permit after claiming to have made an extraordinary gold discovery weighing approximately 186 kilograms near Mount Carbine. The remarkable find has generated significant interest within Australia's mining community.
The Mount Carbine Gold Discovery
The prospector, who operates under the name NQ Gold Prospecting, reported finding the substantial gold deposit on a mining claim located just outside the established Mount Carbine mining operation. This area has long been recognized as gold-bearing country, with historical mining activity dating back over a century.
The claimed discovery amounts to roughly 186 kilograms of gold, a quantity that would represent an extraordinary find by any measure in modern Australian prospecting. The location sits approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Cairns in the Tablelands region, an area known for its rich mining history.
Mining Claim Now on the Market
Following the alleged discovery, the prospector has listed the mining permit for sale through private treaty. The decision to sell rather than develop the claim independently has raised eyebrows among some industry observers, while others see it as a practical move for someone without the resources to undertake large-scale mining operations.
The current owners of the Mount Carbine mine, which processes tailings from historical operations, have confirmed they are not involved with this particular claim. The separate mining lease covers an area of approximately 15 hectares and is being marketed as containing significant gold potential based on the reported find.
Local mining veterans have expressed both skepticism and interest in the claims, noting that while the quantity seems extraordinary, the region has produced substantial gold finds throughout its history. The Tablelands region was once home to thriving gold mining communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Industry Reaction and Verification Process
The mining industry has responded with cautious interest to the prospector's claims. Without independent verification of the gold's existence and quantity, many potential buyers are likely to approach the opportunity with due diligence. Standard practice would involve thorough sampling and assay work to confirm both the presence and grade of any mineralisation.
Professional geologists emphasize that visual identification of gold can sometimes be misleading, as other yellow minerals like pyrite can create false excitement. The substantial claimed weight of 186 kilograms would represent one of the most significant gold finds in recent Queensland history if verified.
The decision to sell the claim rather than pursue development independently may reflect the significant capital required to establish proper mining operations, including processing equipment, environmental management, and compliance with Queensland's strict mining regulations.
As the mining claim changes hands, the Tablelands community watches with interest, remembering the region's golden history and wondering if this modern claim might signal a new chapter in Far North Queensland's mining story.
