Magnet is the site of a former silver-lead mine west of Waratah. It is now known partly for an official mineral fossicking area, but the access road and old workings require much more care than a conventional heritage stop.
The mine operated in difficult country
Silver, lead and zinc discoveries led to intermittent mining and a narrow-gauge tramway linked the field with the Emu Bay Railway system. Mineral Resources Tasmania holds the authoritative geological and historical records.
Official access is limited and rough
Mineral Resources Tasmania describes Magnet Road as steep, badly eroded and best restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles. The continuation towards Waratah is affected by major washouts and should not be treated as a through-route.
Collect only within the designated area
The public fossicking area is known for crocoite and yellow cerussite. Check the current fossicking guide, licence rules and boundaries. Never enter shafts, climb ruins or disturb Aboriginal heritage.
Use Waratah as the service base and pair the mine history with the West Coast guide.