A Lightning Ridge man has been convicted and fined $1000 in Walgett Local Court for unlawfully entering a mineral claim near Lightning Ridge.
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On April 10, 2017, Mr Adi Djuheric and another man were found on a privately held mineral claim, located approximately 15 kilometres west of Lightning Ridge, without the permission of the registered claim holder.
Both individuals were underground when they were discovered by the NSW Police at the mineral claim.
NSW Police referred the matter to the Department of Planning and Environment’s Resources Regulator for investigation under the Mining Act 1992.
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The Regulator’s investigation obtained sufficient evidence to allege that both men were found on the mineral claim unlawfully.
The Resources Regulator’s Chief Compliance Officer Anthony Keon said trespassing on a mineral claim is a serious offence under the Mining Act that carries a maximum penalty of $5,500 and/or six months imprisonment.
“This case is a timely reminder that unlawful entry to a mineral claim will not be tolerated,” Mr Keon said.
Mr Djuheric failed to appear before the Court and the matter was heard in his absence.
The other man pleaded not guilty and his matter has been listed for hearing in Walgett Local Court on September 12, 2018. As the matter is listed for hearing, further details will not be released.