02 6829 0427 lrma@bigpond.net.au

Welcome to Lightning Ridge Mining Association (LRMA)

Opal and Lightning Ridge

Australia produces over 95% of the world’s supply of gem quality opal. The opal producing areas in Australia are Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs in the State of New South Wales; Coober Pedy, Andamooka and Mintabie in the State of South Australia and various locations in the State of Queensland like Winton and Yowah. Opal has also been discovered in small quantities in the State of Western Australia.

Lightning Ridge is the foremost producer of rare gem quality black opal in the world. It is located 770 kilometres north-west of Sydney. The economy of Lightning Ridge primarily relies on opal with its secondary source of income derived from tourism.