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LIGHTNING RIDGE MINERS' ASSOCIATION (LRMA)

Lot 60 Morilla St   (PO BOX 177)   Lightning Ridge   NSW 2834
Phone:(02)6829 0427 : Fax:02 6829 0830

Web Site: None Supplied

 

 

 

The LRMA, a non-profit organization was established in 1966 by miners for miners and incorporated in 1974.

The Association lobby different Government Departments and bodies to ensure the opal fields of Lightning Ridge remain available for individual miners to work and that we have a say in future industry guidelines, mining legislation and access to new prospecting areas.

 

  • The LRMA, a non-profit organization was established in 1966 by miners for miners and incorporated in 1974.
  • The Association lobby different Government Departments and bodies to ensure the opal fields of Lightning Ridge remain available for individual miners to work and that we have a say in future industry guidelines, mining legislation and access to new prospecting areas.
  • The LRMA are currently lobbying heavily for appropriate legislation to cover ratting crimes, negotiating rehabilitation criteria and negotiating permanent water for the opal industry.
  • The LRMA have been a member on the Lightning Ridge Mining Board since its inception. The Mining Board reports to the Minister for Mineral Resources and is responsible for the administration of mining matters within the Narran-Warrambool Reserve.
  • The LRMA promote Australia's National Gemstone and are members of the Australian Opal and Gem Industry Association (AOGIA) and the Australian Gem Industry Council (AGIC).
  • A President and nine Directors, elected annually by the members, administer the Association. The President and Directors are volunteers and receive no monies for running the Association.
  • We currently have approximately 600 members, which increases steadily each year. Our main source of income is derived from providing water for puddling at very competitive prices.
  • The LRMA owns five puddling tanks; four close to town and one at the Coocoran and special rules apply to these tanks.
  • Only LRMA members are permitted on the tanks and then only if you own a site, are using a site with the owner's permission, or, in the company of a site holder and you are only permitted on that site and no other.
  • No specking or noodling is permitted on any of the LRMA Tanks. You should carry your membership card with you and produce it if asked by the Caretaker or a Director. A full copy of the puddling tank rules is available from the LRMA office or the Caretaker and any violation of the rules could result in cancellation of your membership.
  • Newsletters are sent to members at different times throughout the year with updates on current issues facing the industry, and details on the services the Association offers.
  • Free, professional and confidential up to date pricing of 6 cut opals per person by the LRMA Opal Advisory Service established 1983 is available every Saturday morning 9.30 am - 11.30 am at the Lightning Ridge Hotel/Motel in Onyx Street, Lightning Ridge.
  • The more members we have, the more authority the Association speaks with when making political representations on behalf of the opal miners of Lightning Ridge.

 

 
Last Update July 2008
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