Opal mining in Coober Pedy, central Australia (geographically South Australia). The town is known as the 'Opal capital of the world'. The picture shows a 1972 Miner's Right, a document to allow an individual to mine for the precious gemstone for one year. Also in the picture is an accompanying leaflet containing regulations, conditions, precautions and how to stake a claim. The first opal was found in Coober Pedy on 1 February 1915 by Wille Hutchison and the town now supplies most of the world's opal. Most of the population and many of the businesses are built in underground dugouts.

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Size: 5145px × 3240px
Photo credit: © Colin Waters / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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