• Take every precaution while on field trips like making sure you have the
    right gear like gloves, boots, drinking water and basic supplies.
  • Fill in your holes after digging and beware of overhanging rocks and ledges
    that could collapse while digging below.
  • Don't go into old mine shafts as most are unstable and air quality can never
    be guaranteed.  
  • Always where safety glasses when breaking or chiselling on rocks.
  • Watch out for snakes and spiders because as a rock hound you're more
    prone to finding these critters than others.
  • Always close gates after you and always take your rubbish home with you if
    there isn't a proper place to leave it.
  • Always tell someone where you are before you leave in case something
    goes wrong!
  • Always have a first aid kit close by.
  • If you haven't been to an area before draw yourself a map or have a map
    with you so you don't get lost. Mobile phones don't work everywhere!
  • Where a good hat and sunscreen so you don't get sunburnt.
  • Never forget: FOOD, SNACKS, DRINKS & MEDICATION.

Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to ask permission from any private property
owner at any location when searching for gemstones before you enter any such
property. You may also be required to possess a fossicking license as per state
laws.
Tips & Safety On Field Trips
Area Photos
Some Minerals Found In The Area
Mount Isa Power Station
Above are some typical small mines of the area showing Biotite
and Muscovite mica in them. These old mines were made in
search of Emerald. These small type mines are dotted around the
Mount Isa area.

Around the Town Photos
Sheets of Mica near mine.
        Mount Isa
                                 2008 - By John Boom

Mount Isa is an active copper mining center located in Queensland Australia
and the first thing that struck us when entering the town was the huge
towering pipes near the center of town with billowing plumes of smoke.

The central township itself is of a modern city with many major stores.  Driving
living areas as well. The homes are mainly built in a commission home style
and are made of fibro cement and weather boards.

Several caravan parks are available for your choice. Temperatures can be
high as we found out being around 40 degrees average at the beginning of
November. We found some pleasure just driving around the town with the air
conditioner going just to keep cool for a while.

The whole district from Cloncurry to Mount Isa has a mining history and by
going down many of the old mining tracks old mines can still be found.
Various minerals can be found when exploring these areas. Make sure you
don't enter private property without getting permission first and always be
careful around mine sites.