Application for authorisation to use a metal detector

The application for ministerial authorisation to use metal detectors and any other electronic detection equipment to search for elements of the archaeological heritage must contain :

• the surname, first name and address of the applicant ;
• the nature of the archaeological survey;
• la localisation et la délimitation du terrain qui fait l’objet de l’opération archéologique, précisées sur un extrait de la carte topographique et un extrait du plan cadastral à l’échelle adaptée à la taille du terrain;
• a description of the condition of the site prior to the start of the survey;
• a description of the objectives and scientific context of the archaeological survey;
• a description of the scientific methodology and technical resources employed;
• authorisation from the landowner(s) to access the site;
• any other authorisations that may be required to carry out the archaeological survey;
• the planned start and end dates of the survey;
• proof of basic training completed by the applicant;

The application must be sent to the Ministry of Culture.

Ministerial authorisation is subject to the following conditions:

•  to have completed a basic training course at the Institut national de recherches archéologiques or a training course at a foreign institute recognised as equivalent by the Institut national de recherches archéologiques, leading to a certificate ;
• perform surveys with a metal detector for scientific purposes
• carry out research in close collaboration with the Institut national de recherches archéologiques.

Ministerial authorisation is renewable by submitting a new application accompanied by a complete file as aforementioned.

Following the completion of a survey with a metal detector, the applicant must submit a final survey report (Rapport Final d'Opération, RFO) to INRA.

The report should be sent to: prospection@inra.etat.lu