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Opal mining



Opal mining is done by 2-3 person operations rather than big companies because opals don't run in seams like gold, they are quite random so you just have to strike it lucky.   The miners peg their claim and start digging through the sandstone, albeit using more sophisticated equipment today. Beware wandering about there is deep uncovered hole beside nearly every one of those dirt piles.  



Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 24, 2010 at 3:29 AM

    The tunnel shot is very impressive and, once again, I have to say I love the colour!

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  2. SusanOctober 25, 2010 at 5:59 PM

    A great collection of Coober Pedy Photos Joan. It is like being in another world.
    I went to the Ladies toilet at a petrol station there and the inside door 'lock' was an iron bar which you lifted and placed on two hooks across the door .... I had a little chuckle at that ;-)
    They were a pretty friendly bunch we found. Plus, we got some good hamburgers at the cafe.

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