Anonymous prospector unearths potato-sized gold nugget near Tibooburra

Greg Spangler puts the find's value at up to A$190,000 and explains why knowing how to read the ground matters.

AustraliaStory of October 28, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of ABC News (Australia)'s most watched videos since yesterday, with 66,361 views.

ABC News (Australia): The news division of the ABC, Australia's public broadcaster. 2.6M subscribers and 1.7B views.

Spud-sized gold nugget makes last-minute appearance during TV interview | ABC NEWS

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0:26Spangler recounts the anonymous finder's FaceTime call from the goldfield immediately after the discovery.
1:17He estimates the nugget's value at A$185,000 to A$190,000 using the spot price when found.
1:34Footage shows the potato-shaped nugget being pulled from the dirt.
2:43Spangler explains how research, reading the ground and exploring overlooked places contribute to prospecting success.
3:19As the interview closes, Spangler holds up the actual nugget, surprising the studio presenters.

The first call came straight from the goldfield. An amateur prospector had dug up a potato-shaped nugget near Tibooburra, in outback New South Wales, and FaceTimed Broken Hill prospector and shop owner Greg Spangler to show him.

The finder, who wants to remain anonymous, nicknamed the 1.2-kilogram discovery the "Tibooburra Spud," according to Australia's Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Its News Breakfast interview includes footage of the nugget being pulled from the dirt, along with close-ups of hands holding and measuring it.

Spangler estimates its value at roughly A$185,000 to A$190,000, based on the gold spot price when it was found. That is his estimate, rather than a reported sale price.

The conversation turns from the discovery to what prospecting requires. Spangler discusses gold tourism around Tibooburra and his experience running a prospecting shop over decades. Asked about luck, he makes a case for research, skill and learning to read the ground. Exploring places others have passed over is part of his explanation for finding something unexpected.

Then, just as presenter Emma begins wrapping up, Spangler raises the actual nugget into view. Until that moment, the studio has been discussing the find without realizing he has it with him.

"No, that is the Tibooburra spud," he confirms, before comparing it with a much smaller nugget he found himself. Back in the studio, the presenters laugh at the late reveal. One co-anchor supplies an immediate response: "Don't mind me, I'm just booking my flights..."

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