Mineral claims within the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District are processed by the department's Lightning Ridge Office. Between 1500 and 2500 mineral claims are processed by the office each year.

Mineral claims are governed by Mining Act 1992 and the Mining Regulation 2016.

  • Code of Conduct

    The Code of Conduct has been drawn up specifically in the interests  of the miners and the Western Lands Lessees involved in and affected by the opal mining industry at Lightning Ridge and surrounding district.

    Go to Code of Conduct

  • Mineral claim applications

    Learn about what you need to do to apply for and lodge a mineral claim, and what you need to do after a mineral claim has been granted by the department.

    Go to Mineral claim applications

  • Renewals

    How to renew a mineral claim as a whole or in part.

    Go to Renewals

  • Transfers

    What you need to know before you buy or transfer a mineral claim, or a residential mineral claim.

    Go to Transfers

  • Cancellation & suspension

    Learn about the grounds of cancellation or operational suspension, what is considered a breach of mineral claim conditions, and how to apply to cancel a mineral claim.

    Go to Cancellation & suspension

  • Conditions of mineral claims

    Learn about the conditions you must meet and what is considered a breach.

    Go to Conditions of mineral claims

  • Landholder rights

    Go to Landholder rights

For further information
Lightning Ridge Office
Phone:
+61 (0)2 6820 5200
Fax:
+61 (0)2 6829 0825
lightningridge.office@planning.nsw.gov.au
Postal:
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Division of Resources and Geoscience, PO Box 314 Lightning Ridge NSW 2834
Office:
Lot 60 Morilla Street Lightning Ridge NSW 2834 Map