Reprinted from The Border Mail, Febrary 24, 2005


Opal miners in the South Australian town of Coober Pedy are scrambling to stake their claims after the discovery of a rich seam of the gem.

Traces of valuable semi-black opal have been found at an opal field dubbed Allan's Rise, about 50km south of Coober Pedy, prompting a flurry of miners to start drilling the area, according to the town's Mayor, Cr. Steve Baines.

Cr. Baines was not too surprised about the discovery “which is pretty much a monthly occurrence up here” but admitted there was a feeling someone may strike it big.

He said the prospect of making a fortune would probably attract city slickers to try their luck.

“Especially with this one because it is not as deep under ground as others, so you're not going to need the conventional mining machinery.” he said