About APLA
The Amalgamated Prospectors and Leaseholders Association of WA (APLA) has proudly represented the interests of Western Australian prospectors for over a century. Formed in 1904, APLA emerged from a long tradition of grassroots advocacy dating back to the 1880s, when local miners and prospectors united to protect their rights and influence mining legislation. Since then, APLA has been a powerful voice supporting small-scale prospectors through gold rushes, economic shifts, and technological advances.
Today, APLA continues to advocate for fair access to land, promote responsible prospecting, and preserve the heritage and future of the industry. With members across the state, APLA remains committed to ensuring the voice of the prospector is heard in both government and industry circles.
Join APLA Today
Become part of a passionate community that protects and promotes the rights of WA prospectors. APLA members enjoy benefits like public liability insurance, access to training, bush camps, and a free online magazine. With branches across WA and affordable membership options, there’s never been a better time to join.
120
Years Advocating Prospectors
1000 +
Active Members
100%
Member Support
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Branches
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Member Benefits
The Key benefit is that APLA fights for Members, ALL Prospectors and ALL Leaseholders rights at Forums like the Resource Industry Consultative Committee (Formerly – Mining Industry Liaison Council) and by representation to Government Departments and Political Bodies.
APLA members also get a free subscription to the regular online magazine as well as invitations to Association events and training.
APLA members are invited to bush camps and prospecting trips hosted by experienced and professional prospectors.
Financial APLA Members are covered by a $20million Public Liability Insurance automatically when they are prospecting as an amateur legally. (See the Terms and Conditions relating to Public Liability Insurance!)
There are five APLA Branches in WA. Meetings are held in Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany and Kalgoorlie for your convenience and access to experienced members. When joining, please choose the location closest to your main place of residence as this will be the Branch you attend for regular meetings.
News
Stay up to date with the latest news, updates, and insights from APLA. Here you’ll find important announcements, industry developments, and stories from across our community.
APLA Industry News (AHNTILC Delegates Report Sep 2025)
Delegates Report UpdateOur latest delegates report is now available, covering key meetings held last week. Topics include pending submissions to the NT and ACH review, ongoing discussions with LGIRS on safety and risk management, and updates on new Section 10 activity...
Nugget found at Sandstone, weighing 895 grams
The two friends, from Western Australia, had been prospecting for decades. But their luck struck twice when they uncovered this whopping haul recently. A pair of "good mates" in the country's west are reportedly now more than $160,000 richer after unearthing multiple...