The NSW government has extended the deadline into a review into opal mining, amid concerns that reforms will have a negative impact on the Lightning Ridge industry.

The Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles in NSW released 81 recommendations in June 2024, including making mineral claim holders responsible for rehabilitating an area.

The review recommended only allowing open cut or trench digs over old mining areas that have been rehabilitated. 

Tourism operator and secretary of the Lightning Ridge Historical Society, Barbara Moritz, said that would cut local opal miners out of the game.

"Open cutting, who can afford that? All the diesel, all the big equipment that's required. Nobody's open cutting now because of the restriction in cost," she said.

"People sell their claim and the next fellow goes that bit further, and he might find the opal. And that's what they've done for 120 years."

Many Lightning Ridge opal miners use underground shafts like these to dig their fortunes. IMAGE: River McCrossen

Ms Moritz said she is concerned that visitor numbers would drop if opal mining declines in the area.

The government announced the review in June 2023, which is probing whether current rules are fit for purpose.

It is also looking at rehabilitation and landholder and miner rights.

Rehabilitation is where an old site is made safe, does not cause environmental harm and is able to sustain post-mining land use.

"They will be attempting to impose regulations as if we're a big miner at Muswellbrook or Singleton," said Lightning Ridge opal miner Colin Col Hundy.

"We're not like that. In our area, we have a lot of miners that have a generator and a wheelbarrow and an electric jackhammer- hardly a major mining industry worker."

A government media release did not say how long the extension will last.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said the reforms are an opportunity to reduce conflict between miners and landholders.

“The review process should not be rushed, which is why I wrote to Minister Houssos to request an extension. This will ensure better engagement and greater understanding of the problems and solutions for all stakeholders," Mr Butler said.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said she will visit Lightning Ridge in the new year to hear more from the community.

“I understand that some stakeholders are eager for a quick resolution. The Government’s priority is to ensure that miners, landholders and community members on the ground are given a full opportunity to inform the government’s response," Minister Houssos.