THE Lightning Ridge Miners’ Association has acknowledged the NSW Government’s regulatory environment ‘refresh’ for small scale opal mining titles in New South Wales.

The LRMA said the way in which the government has engaged with key stakeholders during the process has been positive, despite some challenges ahead.

In a statement earlier this week, LRMA said he NSW Government’s response, together with any draft legislation, will need to be carefully reviewed by the Association over the next few months.

“There are certainly some positive changes proposed as part of the review but there are also some recommendations which will be very challenging for the future of the industry in New South Wales,” the statement said.

The Lightning Ridge Miners’ Association, with 1000 strong members, has been advocating for the opal industry for the past 50 years.

Today, the industry stands at the core of ancillary industries providing employment to more than 1000 individuals in associated industries while attracting tens of thousands of tourists who help create a robust tourism sector.

The NSW Opal Industry also plays a major role on the global market, not only as Australia’s national gemstone but also as the only source of ethically mined gem quality Black Opal in the world.

“The LRMA looks forward to continuing to work closely with the NSW Government to ensure opal mining and the other industries it supports continue to contribute strongly to the New South Wales regional economy and its growth on the world stage,” the statement said.

The NSW Government plans to update the regulatory framework for small-scale mining titles in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs and is a response to the Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles.

The response supports 74 of the Review’s 81 recommendations and outlines a clear action plan to strengthen and modernise the opal mining industry.

Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos, said the review is a significant step forward for the opal industry.

“We’ve listened carefully to miners, landholders and local communities to deliver a balanced and commonsense response,” she said.

“Our action plan provides greater certainty for stakeholders and lays the foundation for a modern, well-regulated opal mining sector that can sustainably co-exist alongside agriculture and other industries.

“During my visits to Lightning Ridge and the Far West I have heard directly from miners, farmers and the community. Their insights have shaped our response, and we’ll continue working closely with them as we implement these reforms,” she said.