“A sunset clause would spell the end of the opal mining industry and eventually the end of Lightning Ridge as we know it,” Lightning Ridge Miners’ Association Ltd (LRMA) Secretary, Maxine O’Brien said.

“This is the only place in the world where black opal occurs in economic quantities over a relatively small area. Lightning Ridge would never have existed if opal was not found here.

“A time limit on opal mining would discourage anyone from entering the industry, which not only includes the miners, but includes local, national and international wholesalers, cutters, retailers and equipment manufacturers.

“Imagine if a sunset clause was introduced for mining in 1853, Australia would not be the country it is today. We also need to ask the question why the government would consider a sunset clause for opal mining when opal is still being discovered in areas where mining has occurred for over 100 years and there is no time limit on gold or coal mining or farming or grazing.

“Our tourism industry is based on the mining industry and the unique community that has evolved from it. What other outback town has over eight jewellery stores that draw people from all over the world to shop?

“The LRMA believes that any call for a sunset clause is improper and contrary to the landholders’ western lands lease condition which specifies they must allow miners on their property and every ingress and egress.”

The LRMA is urging the whole community to object to a time limit of any form on opal mining as it would affect the whole community, not only opal miners.

More than 800 people have voiced their objection to a sunset clause and have signed letters to that effect. If anyone wishes to comment they need to send a letter to “Wilcox Report comments, PO Box 344, Hunter Regional Mail Centre NSW 2310, to arrive before February 22.

“The LRMA believes we can address the landholders’ concerns through rehabilitation criteria rather than a sunset clause.”