Relatively modern opal dig... by robz

Relatively modern opal dig...

It's got the mechanized bucket retrieval, the tumblers (aka dead concrete trucks) which we think are for washing the broken up clay (the opal shines when it's wet) and all the other assorted odds and ends that do we know not what! This is a big step up from the hand windlass mechanism and ladders used by the early miners.
Fascinating ... not the slick highly mechanised operation I'd expected
June 23rd, 2018  
Are these mines still working Rob? Health and safety and all that
June 24th, 2018  
What a fascinating place Rob, it's on my bucket list now.
June 24th, 2018  
Looks like it was quite the operation in its day. Love the rust of course!
June 24th, 2018  
@fbailey Hi FB - They have tried open cut mining in one section - but it's all mined out now and the only leases available cover a 50m X 50m claim - which is only big enough for hand (and jackhammer nowadays) digging. They are a tough lot out there! :)
June 24th, 2018  
@suzanne234 Definitely - and they are scattered everywhere. But it's OK - they now have a rule that says you have to either fence off or cover the old shafts - a bit of metal grid pegged down usually does the job! LOL :)
June 24th, 2018  
@golftragic It's well worth a visit - and it 's friendly place too! We've really enjoyed it!
June 24th, 2018  
@olivetreeann This one is still a working mine LOL They all look pretty much like this!!
June 24th, 2018  
@robz You've sure got my interest.
June 25th, 2018  
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