Time is running out for local community groups who want to see the 3-Mile Open Cut Mine preserved for historical, tourism and educational reasons with a threat the site may be backfilled after June 30.
If the 12 current claims, which expire at the end of the month, are not renewed they will be turned over to the Department of Primary Industries - Minerals which may choose to rehabilitate the site.
According to LRMA secretary Maxine O'Brien all parties want the open cut at Lunatic Hill preserved but the problem is no-one is willing to take responsibility for it.
The Lunatic Hill Open Cut is the largest open-cut opal mine in NSW and is currently on the State Heritage Icons Project List.
Lightning Ridge Tourist Association president John Murray said the association was right behind keeping the open cut preserved.
"We want to fence and provide a viewing platform so it can be used in a number of different ways," he said.
David Barclay has a number of claims in the open-cut in his name and said responsibility for the maintenance and public liability issues should be taken on by Walgett Shire Council.
"If it was adequately fenced as some people have proposed, the issue of public liability would be greatly diminished," he said.
However Walgett Shire Council administrator Hugh Percy doesn't agree and said council would not put its hand up to take responsibility for the mine.
"I've spoken to DIPNR and the shire would be happy to enter into negotiations," He said.
However Mr Percy said council could not take full responsibility as it could not afford to pay for ongoing maintenance costs and possible public liability issues.
Mr Percy said the construction of a man-proof fence had been estimated to cost $180,000 to erect.
Claimholder David Barclay said it would be a better option than filling the mine, which would cost an "astronomical sum".
"Should the claimholders refuse to rehabilitate the mine the department can contract the work out then bill the costs to the claimholders," he said.
Mr Barclay will be safe from possible expense as he is representing his brother and father who died and were the original claimholders.
"I don't know whether the department will pursue that option but they may decide to flex their muscles and set a precedent," he said.
In a letter in December 2003, the Department of Mineral Resources assistant director for the Environment Ken Hollands wrote;
"Unfortunately, should no party or parties be willing to accept liability for the site in the near future, the department will be left with little option then issuing Section 240 notices to relevant claimholders."
One strong campaigner to keep the mine for historical and tourism reasons has been the Lightning Ridge Opal and Fossil Centre Committee. They propose to build the Opal and Fossil Centre next to the 3-mile open cut and see it as a wonderful resource.
Opal and Fossil Centre secretary Barbara Moritz has been writing to mineral resources minister Kerry Hickey.
"If an alternate use as a tourist attraction were to be proposed, Walgett Shire Council would be required to undertake full responsibility for the area, including any liability," Mr Hickey said in a letter in March.
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