Does the opal mining industry believe it is acceptable for one grazier to charge a premium for mining on his grazing lease?

Miners are currently being charged $50 compensation to hold a mineral claim on 'Muttabun' by the landholder Mr Slack-Smith.

"This is an excessive amount of compensation and sets a dangerous precedent," Jerry Lomax, president of the Lightning Ridge Miners' Association Ltd said speaking on behalf of the board earlier this week.

"The LRMA is in the process of preparing a case for the Warden's Court but we need our members' help both financially and in providing information.

"It is vital for the industry to have a system whereby all miners simply pay a reasonable amount of compensation to the Department of Mineral Resources at the time of grant or renewal.

"It is not appropriate that we have to make individual arrangements with individual graziers who may or may not be available at any one time and who may charge what they wish.

"While Mr Slack-Smith is the only grazier currently not part of the blanket compensation scheme we need to build a strong case so as to discourage other graziers from taking the same path," Mr Lomax said.

He said as part of the case they needed to demonstrate what compensable loss had been caused by mining activities.

Mr Lomax said to this end they have appointed a land valuer to undertake a valuation of the property 'Muttabun' to assist in putting a cost on this loss.

He said Mr Slack-Smith would not allow the valuer to assess the property and advised they would need a court order to gain access, which the LRMA is currently pursuing.

Mr Lomax continued, " We are asking all miners not to pay compensation to Mr Slack-Smith but to pend their mineral claims.

"Those members who have pended their claims we ask them to join with us as part of the compensation case against Mr Slack-Smith."

For further information and to make donations to a fighting fund, please contact the LRMA office on 6829 0427.

Maxine O'Brien

Secretary/Manager