MINER’S rights will be extended for prospectors and fossickers hoping to strike it rich under plans to be announced by the state government today.Prospectors will also enjoy cheaper costs in their search for the hidden treasures in Bendigo and other goldfield regions.Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor said prospectors wanted to keep the miner’s rights, an authorisation certificate to search for gold and minerals on unreserved crown or private land.“We will not only retain the miner’s right, but we will give prospectors and fossickers the option to apply for a two-year licence or a new 10-year licence,” he said.The new 10-year Miner’s Rights will be a cost-effective option and will mean less administrative red tape for the 5000 Victorians.MP Joe Helper said Victoria’s goldfields were a great place for prospecting.“Many of the largest gold nuggets ever discovered were found in the central Victorian goldfields and surrounding areas and there is an abundance of valuable minerals still underground,” Mr Helper said.“We want to make it easier for prospectors to take up metal detectors, hand tools and pans in the search for Victorian gold, gemstones and other minerals.”Mr Batchelor said the government was working with the mining industry to review the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 and ensure regulations were up-to-date with industry practice and operations.“Amendments to the act based around the initial stage of the review are expected to be introduced into parliament in the second half of the year,” he said.“Statutory reforms are important for ensuring the sector continues to grow in line with environmental and community priorities and it’s vital that reforms are made in consultation with industry.”The Brumby Labor Government is committed to passing reforms to improve the operation of the Act and outcomes for the sector from the small-scale prospector to the major miners.”