Miners and Lightning Ridge locals met on 5 February to discuss the impending review of small-scale titles that has the community concerned about the future of opal mining. 

The review, which was ordered last year following an error that saw hundreds of opal miners temporarily lose their mining licence, is tasked with analysing the current state of the opal industry in NSW.

The Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve has concerns about any changes that make opal mining less accessible and feasible for the town’s booming industry, and seemingly, locals agree, with over 200 people showing up this week to learn how to submit their opinions of the review. 

“The main feedback from the town was that they weren’t aware of what was going on, so they were pretty grateful for us to be holding the session so we could inform them and tell them what’s going on,” the Reserve’s acting manager Victoria Lugovoy said.

“There were definitely comments about the time of year being not exactly fair…so many people leave for the summer so there’s a large percentage of the population who are away or overseas at gem festivals.”

According to the Issues Paper from the review being led by Terry Sheahan AO, problems that need addressing include permanent structures or camps being built on temporary claims, and a lack of training in mine engineering and safety required to have and mine a claim. 

‘Preserved claims’ that are established to preserve the history of opal mining and contribute to the tourism industry have also raised safety concerns, particularly around unfilled shafts and equipment left behind. 

Miss Lugovoy said that even if 20-30 people submit to the review, it should make a difference to the interests of miners being recognised. 

The Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve will host submission sessions every Monday from 3pm at the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club so that everyone who wants to, can make a submission to the review. 

“We know a lot of people don’t have access to a computer. We’ll be helping people to write out their submission, or they can just come and pick up a template or an Issues Paper to take home and do it themselves.”

“This is the only opportunity we get to have a say,” she said. 

Submissions close 28 February.