[esel2k]

We don’t want that people use metal detectors to find archeological material but we want to find archeological material and know everything about it.

Maybe there is a way to deal with it? With licenses/permits including training and a ban on reselling?

[voidUpdate]

I assume there is a kind of permit system, given the "unless you have written permission from the government" part

[fullspectrumdev]

You can apply for a permit - you usually only will get one for a specific area if you are an archaeologist associated with a university or a museum or something apparently.

The law is intended specifically to prevent random people digging up stuff and causing damage to historic sites.

[lazide]

‘When metal detectors are outlawed, only outlaws will have metal detectors’?

[slackfan]

Man, I've missed classic Slashdot-style "didn't read TFA".