Opal Mining in South Australia
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South Australia has four proclaimed opal fields: Coober Pedy, Mintabie, Stuart Creek and Andamooka. There are also fields on Lambina and Welbourn Hill pastoral stations. South Australia's opal fields supply an estimated 80% of total world opal production. Mining for opalsYou need to hold a current Precious Stones Prospecting Permit before mining for opals in South Australia. The basic requirements to prospect and mine for opal are outlined in:
Applications for permits and registration of claims and other relevant documents must be accompanied by a fee: Opal Mining Act fees More general information is given in Opal Mining Frequently Asked Questions Legislation and regulationApproval for opal mining and prospecting in South Australia is regulated by the Opal Mining Act 1995 (external site, opens in new window), the Opal Mining Regulations 1997 (external site, opens in new window) and the Lambina Native Title Agreement (external site, opens in new window) and Wellbourn Hill Native Title Agreement. The laws for opal mining apply throughout the state, but there are special provisions within the Act that apply to the proclaimed precious stone fields. The precious stone fields include Andamooka, Mintabie, Coober Pedy, and Stuart Creek. DMITRE's Opal Fields Program is responsible for tenement administration, regulation and physical inspection of all opal fields in South Australia. The Program is responsible for the development of the Opal Mining Industry through government initiatives and drives it towards best practice and workplace safety through initiatives and support from Work Safe SA programs. Contact information
More information about opalsInformation on the origin of opal and the opal fields in South Australia The following publications can be purchased from the Mineral Resources Customer Services Centre
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- Page URL: http://outernode.pir.sa.gov.au/minerals/licensing_and_regulation/opal_mining
- Page Last Modified: May 4, 2012