The NSW Government will update the regulatory framework for small-scale mining titles to deliver a safe and strong opal industry for miners, farmers and the local community.
The measures come as part of the NSW Government’s response to the Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale titles. The government’s response supports 74 of the Review’s 81 recommendations and outlines a clear action plan to strengthen and modernise the opal mining industry.
Opal mining has served as an important industry within NSW for more than a century and continues to drive economic benefits in tourism, export revenue and job creation.
The response sets out an action plan focused on:
- improving the confidence and certainty for landholders and miners
- strengthening NSW’s rehabilitation framework to deliver effective rehabilitation outcomes
- implementing a modern, digital-based approach for opal mining.
The response has been informed by extensive stakeholder engagement, including a working group chaired by the Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, and recognises the important role of opal mining and agriculture in the Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs communities.
A detailed review of relevant legislation (including to the Mining Act 1992) will take place. Following this review, we will propose any necessary amendments to support these reforms and ensure the framework is fit-for-purpose.
A suite of activities consistent with the key recommendations from the Review have already been implemented including:
- modernising renewal and other applications by allowing them to be made electronically
- a high-visibility compliance education campaign in Lightning Ridge during May 2025.
- improvements to stakeholder information materials and customer experience with the NSW Resources website, fact sheets and guidance material, including a biosecurity fact sheet.
In addition to the action plan, an ongoing program of safety works to assess and remediate high risk legacy opal mining sites is underway in Lightning Ridge. These works are being delivered in consultation with local stakeholders, including the Opal Area Reserve Crown Land Manager, landholders, opal miners and council.
The Independent Review provided recommendations on key areas affecting opal industry stakeholders including access to land, rehabilitation, landholder compensation and the suitability of the current framework.
Seven of the Review’s recommendations have not been supported as they would have unintended impacts on broader stakeholders and legislative frameworks.
The action plan for the opal industry will be implemented through a phased approach over the next two years, with ongoing consultation to ensure the reforms are practical, inclusive and effective.
The NSW Government response is available on our Independent Review web page.
