Opal Mining Safety on the Opal Fields

Australia produces approximately 90 percent of all the opal in the jewellery market, with Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs in New South Wales being the most dominant opal fields. Visitors looking to fossick or 'spec' for an opal field will first be required to gain permission from relevant landowners.

A Warning

Opal mining is a rigorous and dangerous profession that requires individuals to take a number of precautions. Below are some important safety procedures that must be followed:

• Do not let inexperienced individuals into underground mine workings alone.
• Every person taken underground must be instructed comprehensively or supervised at all times.
• Every individual going underground must carry a light.
• Unfamiliar mining areas must be classified as dangerous and should be secured against visitor entry.
• Never position a winze in the middle of a drive or cross-cut.
• School children will require complete supervision at all times.

Fossick in Safety

While it is generally considered safe to fossick in established opal fields, young children must always be monitored at all times. All fossickers must make their presence known to the local miners in the area. Many opal mining companies use heavy mining and earthmoving equipment that may even be automated.

Children must be kept away from shafts, drill holes and open cuts. These holes may be filled with water and disguised by plant growth. Moreover, old shafts and drill holes that have not been maintained may collapse under pressure.

Fossickers are also advised to stay away from old underground workings without the presence of professional, experienced miners. Unstable ground, stale air, lack of oxygen and unprotected openings are some of the dangers that fossickers may face. It is important to note that fossicking may only be carried out up to a depth of one metre, with all holes filled up after activity is complete. They are also warned not to fossick into the sides of previous excavations. Fossickers must wear strong and durable clothing, inclusive of shoes and a hard hat. Inform individuals of your whereabouts before you begin fossicking. Keep a first aid kit handy at all times. Snakes must be avoided at all times.

Fossicking Equipment

• Pick
• Shovels
• Pans
• Sieves
• Tweezers and a Hand Lens to help identify stones
• Hat
• Insect Repellent
• Boots
• Small Collecting Jars

Code of Conduct

Opal fields in New South Wales are located on pastoral grounds so it is important for visitors to understand that they are working on fields that are owned by someone else. Leave animals at home, and collect any garbage that belongs to you. Visitors are also requested to read the full code of conduct that can be obtained from the Department of Mineral Resources offices.