Following up on a feature story in Australia’s Mining Monthly magazine,
Jeweller Magazine reports that “Debate over the future of opal mining in New South Wales
has continued in recent weeks as the industry continues to reject proposed legislative changes.”


Samuel Ord –
January 14, 2025 –

Jeweller Magazine –

What Changes?
“Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos commissioned a review following the discovery of 3,343 mineral claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs impacted by invalid decisions.”

“The review was completed by former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General, Terry Sheahan AO. Key figures in the opal trade have criticised the recommendations, suggesting they’ll cripple an already struggling industry.”


“A fight between farmers and opal miners is ramping up in outback New South Wales with miners saying new rules proposed for their industry will send them broke. An independent review of the state’s opal mining industry wants the number of claims restricted and changes to the use of old underground mines. Farmers are calling for more compensation, arguing miners are damaging their properties and disrupting their work. But miners working at Lightning Ridge are worried their industry and others that rely on it won’t survive the changes.” 


> Houssos gives working group more time to consider.


Inside The Aussie Opal Mining Industry Facing Extinction
*Invalid Claims? stay listening … the fight conversation starts at 2:30 …

Sam Mehan is just one of many opal miners who were left without work for months after the NSW government announced that over 3300 opal mining claims were invalid.


Roskin Gem News Report