The changes continue for opal miners in Lightning Ridge.
With the Mining Amendment (Mineral Claims – Opals) Act 2023 coming into law on 24 October 2023, older claims from between 2015 and 2023 that were affected by invalid grants, renewals and transfers under previous legislation are now valid.
Following amendments to legislation, from 30 May 2025 miners can apply to renew a mineral claim up to two months prior to the day the mineral claim expires…