01/06/2026
❗️DOUBLING OPALS
Opal miners are welcoming an unexpected expansion of an area dedicated to mining boulder opals south of Winton.
The Opalton-Mayneside restricted area, which includes part of the state-acquired Vergemont reserve, has doubled in size to cover almost six hundred thousand hectares.
The state government made the announcement on Friday and said the expansion follows community consultation and a resource assessment.
President of the Queensland Boulder Opal Association James Evert said the expanded restricted area provides certainty for the future of opal mining in the region.
“This area south of Winton is the busiest and most concentrated area of mining [opals in the west], and has been for over 140 years,” Mr Evert said.
“It’s acknowledging the importance of our industry and identifying these areas for the long term.”
📰 Read more on the topic: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-04/opal-miners-continue-operations-vergemont-station-national-park/106095772
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-28/queensland-opal-mining-hangs-in-the-balance-state-gov-buys-land/104251916
