The NSW Government will update the regulatory framework for small-scale mining titles to deliver a safe and strong opal industry for miners, farmers and the local community.
The NSW Government will update the regulatory framework for small-scale mining titles to deliver a safe and strong opal industry for miners, farmers and the local community.
The measures come as part of the NSW Government's response to the Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles. The Government's response supports 74 of the Review's 81 recommendations and outlines a clear action plan to strengthen and modernise the opal mining industry.
Opal mining has served as an important industry within NSW for more than a century and continues to drive economic benefits in tourism, export revenue and job creation.
The response sets out an action plan focused on:
- Improving the confidence and certainty for landholders and miners.
- Strengthening the framework to deliver better land rehabilitation outcomes.
- Implementing a modern, digital-based approach for the administration of opal mining.
The response has been informed by extensive stakeholder engagement, including a working group chaired by the Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, and recognises the important role of opal mining and agriculture in the Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs communities.
A detailed review of relevant legislation (including to the Mining Act 1992) will take place. Following this review, the NSW Government will propose any necessary amendments to support these reforms and ensure the framework is fit for purpose.
A suite of initiatives consistent with the key recommendations from the Independent Review have already been implemented including:
- Modernising renewal and other applications by allowing them to be made electronically.
- A high-visibility compliance education campaign in Lightning Ridge during May 2025.
- Continuing the temporary prohibition of mining in Opal Prospecting Area 4.
- Improvements to stakeholder information materials and customer experience with the NSW Resources website, fact sheets and guidance material, including a biosecurity factsheet.
In addition to the action plan, an ongoing program of safety works to assess and remediate high risk legacy opal mining sites is underway in Lightning Ridge.
These works are being delivered in consultation with local stakeholders, including the Opal Area Reserve Crown Land Manager, landholders, opal miners and the local council.
The Independent Review provided recommendations on key areas affecting opal industry stakeholders including access to land, rehabilitation, landholder compensation and the suitability of the current framework.
Seven of the Review's recommendations have not been supported, as they would have unintended impacts on broader stakeholders and legislative frameworks.
The action plan for the opal industry will be implemented through a phased approach over the next two years, with ongoing consultation to ensure the reforms are practical and effective.
The NSW Government response is available on the NSW Resources website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:
"This is a significant step forward for the opal industry. We've listened carefully to miners, landholders and local communities to deliver a balanced and commonsense response.
"Our action plan provides greater certainty for stakeholders and lays the foundation for a modern, well-regulated opal mining sector that can sustainably co-exist alongside agriculture and other industries.
"During my visits to Lightning Ridge and the Far West I have heard directly from miners, farmers and the community. Their insights have shaped our response, and we'll continue working closely with them as we implement these reforms.
"I want to thank Stephen Lawrence and Roy Butler for their ongoing work. Their deep knowledge and connections in the community have been crucial in developing the Government's response.
"We're committed to ensuring the opal industry remains a strong and sustainable part of regional NSW's future."
Quotes attributed to the Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC:
"I know how keenly awaited this response has been. The opal industry is an important one, particularly for communities in western NSW, and the backbone of Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.
"I would like to praise the strong engagement from the many stakeholders who have taken part during the review process. I am very confident the government has gotten the balance right in its response to the review.
"This response is the first step in continued consultation to ensure our opal industry can continue and flourish long into the future.
"I look forward to seeing improved confidence and certainty for landholders and miners, improved rehabilitation outcomes and much needed modernisation of the way people interact with the department."
