Opal Miners embrace digital era for claim renewals
- thewesternherald
- Jun 19
- 1 min read
In a significant step toward modernising its services, the NSW government has made it easier for small-scale mineral claims to be renewed.
This is good news for miners in opal fields at Lightning Ridge, White Cliffs, Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard. As of 30 May 2025, claim renewal applications can be submitted electronically, including via email, under the Mining Amendment (Small-scale Titles) Regulation 2025.
Previously, applications could only be submitted by post, fax, or in person. The shift to email lodgement is expected to reduce administrative hurdles and improve accessibility, especially in remote areas like those in Walgett Shire. […]
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I don't agree. The only thing digital is that you can email it.
We still have to print, sign, scan and email it. We fill in so many duplicates and confirmation checks: name x 5, claim no x 3, ID/email/phone x 2, confirm attached additional forms x 4, maps x 5.
We email it and get no receipt of delivery or confirmation that it has been received.
At the other end it has to be manually entered or checked if a renewal, and why there is a backlog where claims expire prior to processing.
Legislation keeps the claim alive until processed. But what happens if somethings lost in the email system? There is no proof the application has been lodged…