Open Cut Mining Coober Pedy Opal Fields

History Mining Tunnels of Coober Pedy The First National Opal Symposium was held in Lightning Ridge in 1999 by the Lightning Ridge Miners’ Association Ltd and the then NSW Department of Mineral Resources. The National Opal Symposium is held every 2 years with NSW, Queensland and SA each taking their turn to host the event. The primary objective of the original Symposium continues today to increase opal miner’s knowledge, practically and theoretically and to promote improvement in the industry thus enhancing the discovery and Machinery safe extraction of opal. The symposium pro- Coober Pedy Style vides the environment for networking, sharing of ideas and promoting changes within the industry that could enhance mining practices. The Symposiums also aims to promote the industry as a cohesive unit across the nation and to provide a forum for industry and governments to exchange information and ideas. 10th National Opal Symposium In 2020 Coober Pedy will host the 10th National Opal Symposium. The Opal Symposium committee is committed to providing an environment for the Industry to come together, to network and share their Coober Pedy experiences and ideas and to showcase the latest techniques, technologies and current Coober Pedy is known both locally and internationally as research. the ‘Opal Capital of the World’. Coober Pedy is an isolated community situated 845 kilometres north of Adelaide and 687 kilometres south of Alice Springs with a population of 1861 (ABS 2017). Coober Pedy has a rich history in Opal after it was first discovered in 1915. Historically the lack of surface water and isolation were limiting factors in the early development of the field, The discovery of opal at 8 Mile in 1946 started a new rush, then in the 1960’s, Euro- pean migrants seeking freedom and independence came in great numbers to seek their fortunes. From the 1970’s, it was the widespread use of machinery which brought about rapid expansion of the fields and the population. The Coober Pedy Opal Fields Aboriginal community considers the Opal as a ‘Lucky stone’. Precious opal is truly Australia’s National Gemstone Black Opal is the state gemstone emblem for New South Wales and Precious Opal the State gemstone for South Australia

“In opal you will see the splendor and brilliant fire of ruby, the The Opal glorious purple of amethyst, the sea-green of emerald and all these colours glittering together in an incredible way!” Written by: Roman Pliny the Elder 1st Century AD

Les Cram wrote, “it is in Australia, the land of the Southern Cross, where this breathtaking “Queen of Gems” decided to make her home. She hid herself away like a delicate child playing hide and seek throughout the stark beauty of our timeless deserts”

In some Aboriginal folklore there are descriptions of opals and their relationship to the rainbow, rainbow serpent and dreamtime spirits and creator.

Opal is presently mined in the outback of three Australian States: New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is famous worldwide for its quality Black opal and find Crystal Opal. Boulder Opal gemstones from the Queensland outback are known for their brilliance and Ocean like colours. The finest quality of Crystal Opal and White Opal from Andamooka and Coober Pedy in South Australia.

The Gamble Coober Pedy Opal Fields