OPAL miners and landholder’s representative groups met with the Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos and Member for Barwon Roy Butler this week to discuss the future of opal mining, rehabilitation requirements and compensation amounts.
The meetings were a part of the New South Wales Government’s response to the Independent Review into Small-Scale Titles.
The review, led by former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General, Terry Sheahan, was established in 2023 to analyse statutory framework under the Mining Act 1992, retaining to the state and future of the opal mining industry in NSW.
Sheahan handed down 81 recommendations as part of his report, including balancing stakeholder rights and responsibilities, improving rehabilitation and environmental outcomes, updating cost and compensation structures, improving understand and usability and the legislative framework and modernising the administration of mineral claims.
A working group has since been established which includes representatives from the opal mining industry, landholders, First Nations representatives and other key stakeholders.
The group requested additional time in December 2024 which was granted.
Member for Roy Barwon said ensuring a swift resolution was important, but a decision shouldn’t be rushed.
“I want this resolved quickly, but not at the expense of doing it properly,” he said.
This week’s meetings will assist in informing the government’s response to the Independent Review.
