It's been a long road for the region's opal miners and they're not quite there yet in the long running battle to gain certainty around the rules governing their operations and get the industry back on track.

Kavitha Barron of The Lightning Ridge Miners’ Association (LRMA) says her group has a meeting with the NSW Mining, Geoscience and Exploration Department within weeks.

On 8 November the NSW Government released their response to the Independent Review into Small Scale Minerals Titles that was tabled in December 2024.

It includes new legislation which will have both immediate and long-term impacts for miners in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.

Although the drawn-out process is taking its toll on members, the LRMA says they will take their time to comb through what is being proposed.

Ms Barron says the NSW Government's response, together with any draft legislation will need to be carefully reviewed by the Association over the next few months. 

‘’We acknowledge the NSW Government's refresh of the regulatory environment for small scale opal mining titles in NSW," she said.

"Particularly, the Association acknowledges the way in which the NSW Government has engaged with key stakeholders during the process.

"There are certainly some positive changes proposed as part of the review but there are also some recommendations which will be very challenging for the future of the industry in NSW."

Miners have lost considerable money with what she says are ‘huge delays’ in getting approval for claims.

"It is taking weeks to get things done in this space and its heart breaking for some miners with delays of weeks in some cases, 7 days is best case scenario,’’ she told The Western Plains App.

"There is always a devil in the detail and it's about the implementation of government plans and the number of claims we can present so a shorter time frame can move things forward.

"These are challenging issues for us.''

The local mining association members say they are grateful to state MP Roy Butler for helping to guide the process so that opal miners in the region were heard.

"Mr Butler has been very supportive and organised consultations for us so we could tell our story to the State Minister so this can be a fit and proper policy for our community and business and we can also find where our miners can prospect," Ms Barron said.

She says involving her association, and stakeholders in the wider industry, is recognition of the industry's contribution to regional communities, the state and nation.

‘’The Lightning Ridge Miners’ Association, with its 1000 strong members, has been advocating for the opal industry for the past 50 years. 

"Today the industry stands at the core of ancillary industries providing employment to over 1000 individuals whilst attracting tens of thousands of tourists who help create a robust tourism sector. 

"The NSW Opal Industry also plays a major role on the global market not only as Australia’s national gemstone but also as the only source of ethically mined gem quality Black Opal in the world. ‘’ Ms Barron said.

‘’The LRMA looks forward to continuing to work closely with the NSW Government to ensure opal mining and the other industries it supports continue to contribute strongly to the NSW regional economy and its growth on the world stage.’’

The NSW Resources Minister Courtney Houssos says the consultation with miners, farmers and with state MP Roy Butler and Barwon MLC Steven Lawrence is giving her confidence in all parties achieving positive outcomes.