It has been engaged in assessing the usefulness of ground using a penetrating radar to identify the presence and depth of open workings and voids.

The decision to conduct this survey has arisen after a water delivery truck fell into a hole in the the track parallel to Fred Reece Way and the ‘Phoneline’ opal field in June last year.

Industry and Investment NSW, previously the Department of Primary Industries, stated the study is using public roads within and surrounding Lightning Ridge and it has been supported

by the local council and the Lightning Ridge Miners Association (LRMA).

Director of the LRMA Ormie Molyneux said the issue of underground voids was presented to the mining board and there it was decided to conduct the survey.

“The town is built on top of a 100 year-old mining field”, said Mr Molyneux.

“The problem is from the past but it isn’t a growing issue”.

The survey took approximately six days to complete with the

four-wheel-drive vehicle, and

its radar penetrating device, travelling a little faster than walking pace.

Industry and Investment also noted that registered lollypop people were used to control any traffic if the need arised.

The underlying problem regarding this issue has

stemmed from a growing fear

of who is liable if an injury

occurs from an accident with the sinking of an underground mining void.

While an incident occurred in June last year no legal action took place but the fear of what the future holds remains.

It is hoped that this study will assist in minimising another accident.