I did read somewhere in the past that use of suction was not permitted (I can't spot it in any current resources though) as it was using hydraulics for the excavation. I think the operator's attitude would be a big factor when questioned by authorities. If you haven't read it, and you are prospecting in Victoria, you should. Please for all our sakes obey the rules of the Mineral Resources Sustainable Development Act. I know its tempting to use one to clean out a crevice or gutter, but there are other ways. The results of these discussions is that any vacuum device to extract gravel is illegal. These issues were raised in the Eductor Dredge Enquiry way back in 1990 and the issues of non powered dredges were also discussed. I expect to cop flack about this and I am in no way trying to rock the boat but the rules a very clear.

In Victoria, eductor dredging is illegal in any form whatsoever without a permit. Sorry guys but this issue has been raised on so many forums so many times in the past and it always raises much debate. In fact they have no moving parts whatsoever. If these are legal, then why isn't a gravity dredge legal, which they are not?Ī gravity dredge uses less moving parts than a bait/yabby/gold pump. The process of raising gravel in this method and especially then having a hose feeding a sluice or whatever is illegal. The essence of a bait pump is a plunger that when withdrawn creates a vacuum which raises gravel from its original location and deposits into a gold saving device. Just because they can be purchased does not make them legal. With all due respect you can also buy a gold dredge from a number of places in Victoria too.

Yabby gold hand dredge pump