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Lightning Ridge courses and workshops

Opal Mining Safety Workshop

Before being able to hold a mineral claim, you must complete the Opal Mining Safety Workshop.

Additionally, to be nominated as a Mine Operator for a mineral claim you must have completed this workshop, as per Section 8 of the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022.

The workshop generally covers safety issues including:

  • mine establishment
  • roof failure
  • types of roof support
  • legislation
  • mine environment
  • electrical installations
  • ventilation of mines
  • hazard identification
  • risk management

The cost of the workshop is $165.00 and includes a printed copy of the Opal and gemstone mining guide (PDF, 21.86 MB).

The guide is designed to provide material focussing on practical guidance and best practice in opal and gemstone mines.

The guide deals with common health and safety issues at opal and gemstone mines but does not cover all hazards or risks that may arise at each mine. The health and safety laws require mine operators and others to consider all risks associated with working at opal or gemstone mines.

For more information about the workshop dates, location and enrolment, visit our events page

For general course enquiries contact:

Ph: 1300 814 609

Email: rr.workshops@planning.nsw.gov.au

Environmental Awareness Course

Before being able to hold a mineral claim in Opal Prospecting Area 4 (PDF, 128.94 KB) or on the property 'Wyoming', the Environmental Awareness Course must also be completed in addition to the Opal Mining Safety Workshop.

The course gives an overview on how to minimise damage to the environment whilst conducting exploration and mining activities and covers many issues including:

  • impacts on flora and fauna
  • prevention of soil erosion
  • subsidence impacts
  • mullock management
  • Aboriginal or historic sites
  • puddling operations

This free course is available online, on demand.

To register, please follow the link and provide your details.

Once registered you will be sent an email to your nominated email address containing a link to a 40 minute training video. This is available for you to watch at your convenience.

To have your participation in this online course recognised, you will need to undertake the steps provided in your registration email. This includes emailing your identification documents and a signed statutory declaration (PDF, 98.54 KB) confirming you have watched and understood the course material to: nswresourcesregulator@service-now.com

If you have any questions or comments relating to the information provided in this course, please email nswresourcesregulator@service-now.com or call 1300 814 609 (option 2, then 5).