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The build-up to the release of OPB 194 was filled with hype and speculation.
It was always set to draw capacity applications and as 9.30am Monday arrived 635 individuals and syndicates had lodged their applications and $250 fees to participate in “opal lotto”.
Private deals and contracts were exchanged in anticipation! Offers from $50,000 to $500,000 to the successful applicant did the rounds of this record OPB crowd. An offer of $50,000 was substantiated.
Armed with completed applications $250 and a raffle ticket the 635 hopefuls queued for their four hour wait.
The interest in OPB 194 had been arounsed through reports of gem finds by those initially involved in the area.
In a private arrangement with the landholder who lifted the reserve over the area, prospecting was permitted to proceed.
The LRMA insisted that this opportunity should have been made available to ALL miners.
On this basis the LRMA had the matter heard before the Mining Warden’s Court. Their plea to the courts failed.
The Department of Mineral Resources stepped in and declared a Mineral Allocation Area. Two mineral claims were granted to the original drillers and OPB 194 was placed back in the system.
Where else but “The Black Opal Capital of the World” would 635 individuals be able to take part in a ballot of this type which potentially could transform their lives?
After a four hour wait it was over in seconds as Mining Registrar, Jeff Inman, from the back of a mining ute ,drew the winning ticket from a plastic bucket - and the winner was- Renee Bartlett. Renee is part of a syndicate which includes Mayor, Peter Waterford.
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