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Mineral claim application and renewal process
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How to apply for a mineral claim in the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District

Important notes before you start

Choose a mineral claim area 

You must select an area that is available and not already subject to an existing claim. You can use MinView, an interactive mapping tool, to explore opal mining areas or the Lightning Ridge Office can provide maps and advice to help you identify a suitable area.

Decide on the mineral claim type

There are different types of mineral claims (PDF, 1.56 MB) available depending on how the land will be used. A person can hold no more than 2 mineral claims at any one time.

Confirm size and shape requirements 

Most mineral claims must be square and no larger than 50 metres by 50 metres (2,500 square metres). Larger claims of up to 2 hectares may be granted in certain circumstances for reward claims or puddling operations.

Mark-out and survey requirements

Survey marks are placed across the main opal fields to help people accurately measure the location of particular claims using bearings and distances. These marks are identified by metal tags with unique identification numbers.

If you are unsure where the nearest survey mark is, contact the Lightning Ridge Office, who will provide a copy of the relevant plan showing survey mark locations.

You must have at least one survey mark when locating a claim.  It is also desirable to indicate the property name on the survey to assist in locating the application area.

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Important

Do not estimate or ‘step out’ your claim boundaries or guess bearings. 

When using a compass, you need to be aware of any metal objects either close by or on your person. You should stand at least 2 metres back from the post/picket or survey peg when taking a bearing.

Training and other requirements

You must meet the following requirements before you can operate a mineral claim:

The application process

You will need to follow a two-stage process to apply for a new mineral claim in the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District. 

Note: Mineral claim applications must be completed accurately and in full. Incomplete or incorrect applications may not be accepted, and another applicant who has correctly completed their application for the same area may be given priority.

Follow the processes outlined in the factsheets below and complete the relevant forms. 

Factsheets

Forms

Stage 1

Before you lodge your application for a mineral claim, you will need to:

Complete Form LR2A Application for a mineral claim within the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District (DOCX, 141.24 KB) and submit it with the above forms, required photos, a right-of-way map and proof of identity that matches the details provided in Form LR2A.

You will need to lodge all stage 1 documents before you progress to stage 2.

Lodgement options

Your application for the grant of a mineral claim must be lodged in-person at the department's office, 41 Opal Street, Lightning Ridge, NSW, between the hours of 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm on Monday to Thursday or 9:30am to 1pm on Friday.

Stage 2

Complete Form LR23 - Notification of intention to exercise rights under a mineral claim within the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District (PDF, 116.64 KB) and send to the landholder(s), including a map of the proposed mineral claim area by registered post. 

Complete Form LR23B (formerly LR2B) Applicant declaration of landholder notice of intention to exercise rights under a small-scale title (PDF, 159.37 KB). 

What happens after I have lodged my application?

Once a completed application has been received, the department will review the documentation and assess the granting of your mineral claim. As part of the assessment, you will be issued a Notice of Proposed Decision outlining: 

  • the proposed decision regarding your mineral claim application
  • a draft mineral claim certificate (if the mineral claim is proposed to be granted)
  • details of any outstanding fees, levies and landholder compensation that must be paid before a final decision is made. 

How to apply for a mineral claim in the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District

The Commonwealth Attorney-General made a determination under section 26C of the Native Title Act (Cth) on 8 May 2026 for the Main Field in the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District to be an approved opal and gem mining area. 

With the determination now made, the grant and renewal of mineral claims can recommence, subject to legislative requirements being met.

Important notes before you start

Choose a mineral claim area 

You must select an area that is available and not already subject to an existing claim. You can use MinView, an interactive mapping tool, to explore opal mining areas or the Lightning Ridge Office can provide maps and advice to help you identify a suitable area.

Mark-out and survey requirements

Survey marks are placed across the main opal fields to help people accurately measure the location of particular claims using bearings and distances. These marks are identified by metal tags with unique identification numbers.

If you are unsure where the nearest survey mark is, contact the Lightning Ridge Office, who will provide a copy of the relevant plan showing survey mark locations.

You must have at least one survey mark when locating a claim. It is also desirable to indicate the property name on the survey to assist in locating the application area.

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Important

Do not estimate or ‘step out’ your claim boundaries or guess bearings. 

When using a compass, you need to be aware of any metal objects either close by or on your person. You should stand at least 2 metres back from the post/picket or survey peg when taking a bearing.
 

Training and other requirements

You must meet the following requirements before you can operate a mineral claim:

The application process

You will need to follow a two-stage process to apply for a new mineral claim in the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District. 

Note: Mineral claim applications must be completed accurately and in full. Incomplete or incorrect applications may not be accepted, and another applicant who has correctly completed their application for the same area may be given priority.

Follow the processes outlined in the factsheets below and complete the relevant forms. To support you, video and PDF worked examples are available to guide you through the process. 

Fact sheets

Forms

Stage 1

Before you lodge your application for a mineral claim, you will need to:

You will need to lodge all stage 1 documents before you progress to stage 2.

Lodgement options

Your application for the grant of a mineral claim can be lodged:

  • by email: whitecliffs@dpird.nsw.gov.au
  • by mail: Mail your form, including any attachments to, NSW Resources, PO Box 314, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834
  • in-person: at the department's office, 41 Opal Street, Lightning Ridge, NSW, between the hours of 9.30 am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm on Monday to Thursday or 9:30am to 1pm on Friday.

Stage 2

Complete Form WC23 - Notification of intention to exercise rights under a mineral claim within the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District, include a map of the proposed mineral claim area and send to the landholder(s) by registered post. 

Complete Form WC23B (formerly WC2B) Applicant declaration of landholder notice of intention to exercise rights under a small-scale title. 

What happens after I have lodged my application?

Once a completed application has been received the department will review the documentation and assess the granting of your mineral claim. As part of the assessment, you will be issued a Notice of Proposed Decision outlining: 

  • the proposed decision regarding your mineral claim application
  • a draft mineral claim certificate (if the mineral claim is proposed to be granted)
  • details of any outstanding fees, levies and landholder compensation that must be paid before a final decision is made. 

How to renew a mineral claim in the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District

This section explains how to apply to renew a mineral claim within the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District. It is intended for current mineral claim holders and reflects the requirements under the Mining Act 1992.

You can only apply to renew your mineral claim within the 2 months before the mineral claim is due to expire. 

Applications must be lodged before the mineral claim expires. If the expiry date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the application may be lodged before close of business on the next working day.

Miners must give landholders notice of their intention to renew their mineral claim. This is an essential step to ensure the mineral claim is eligible for renewal.

To apply to renew a mineral claim, the titleholder must follow the processes outlined in the factsheets below and complete the relevant forms. 

Fact sheets

Forms

Lodgement options

Your application for the renewal of a mineral claim can be lodged: 

  • by email: lightningridge.office@dpird.nsw.gov.au
  • by post: NSW Resources, Title Assessments, PO Box 314, Lightning Ridge, NSW, 2834
  • in-person: at the department's office, 41 Opal Street, Lightning Ridge, NSW

Need assistance?

If you have questions or need help lodging your renewal application, contact the NSW Resources Small Scale Titles Team via the contact details above or call 02 6820 5200.

What happens after I have lodged my renewal application?

Once a completed renewal application has been received:

  • Your mineral claim will be placed in a ‘pending status.’
  • You may continue to mine your claim in accordance with your mineral claim conditions until your renewal application has been determined.

The department will review the documentation and assess the renewal of your mineral claim. As part of the assessment of your renewal, you will be issued a Notice of Proposed Decision. 

The Notice of Proposed Decision outlines: 

  • the proposed decision regarding the renewal your mineral claim
  • a draft mineral claim certificate (if the renewal is proposed to be granted)
  • details of any outstanding fees, levies and landholder compensation that must be paid before a final decision is made. 

Additional payments may be made at the office, by phone or by credit card (if you have completed an authorisation form to take payment). 

If the renewal application is granted, the new mineral claim renewal certificate will be emailed to your nominated email address, posted, or made available for collection at the office.

It is the responsibility of the titleholder to know and follow the conditions outlined in the mineral claim, which includes being aware of the expiry date. Not following the conditions of the mineral claim could lead to penalties or the cancellation of the mineral claim.

How to renew a mineral claim in the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District

The Commonwealth Attorney-General has on 8 May 2026 made a determination under section 26C of the Native Title Act (Cth) for the Main Field in the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District to be an approved opal and gem mining area. 

With the determination now made, the grant and renewal of mineral claims can recommence, subject to statutory requirements being met. 

NSW Resources is currently finalising updated small-scale titles renewal forms and guidance materials for the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District, which will be published on this webpage shortly. NSW Resources will send appropriate forms to affected mineral claim holders with correspondence outlining requirements. 

In the meantime, if you have any questions about mineral claim applications, renewals or the validation program, please contact the Small-Scale Titles Project Team on sstproject@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 02 4063 6900.

Small-scale titles Validation Program

Overview

The NSW Government implemented a validation program to address issues with how some mineral claims were granted, renewed or transferred between 1 January 2015 and 13 February 2023. 

Due to administrative errors during this period, some mineral claims must now be redetermined to ensure they are legally valid and accurately recorded.

The Mining Amendment (Mineral Claims – Opals) Act 2023 (commenced 24 October 2023) supports this process by allowing affected mineral claims to be treated as valid while the required administrative steps are completed.

Who is affected?

You are affected if your mineral claim:

  • was granted between 1 January 2015 and 13 February 2023, including those claims that were later transferred.
  • was granted before 1 January 2015 and renewed after this date. 

Mineral claims granted after 13 February 2023 are not affected by the identified issues.

What this means for you

If your mineral claim is affected:

  • your mineral claim is considered valid during the validation process
  • you can continue to mine in accordance with your existing claim conditions
  • you are required to complete additional administrative steps as part of the Validation Program
  • your claim will be redetermined to ensure all records, conditions and terms are current and fit for purpose.
     
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Important

If you applied for a mineral claim that was not determined at 13 February 2023 (i.e. it has been pended): 
•    you are not authorised to undertake mining activity 
•    you must wait until your application is determined and you receive a mineral claim certificate. 
If you are unsure about your particular circumstances, contact the Small-Scale Titles Project Team on 02 4063 6900 or sstproject@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

Validation Program for the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District

Following the Commonwealth determination under section 26C of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) for the Main Field to be an approved opal and gem mining area in May 2026, the validation program can now progress in the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District. 

Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to complete one of the following validation processes:

  1. Pre-2015 mineral claim (renewal) validation
  2. Post-2015 mineral claim (grant) validation
  3. Post-2015 mineral claim (transfer) validation 

You do not need to determine which process applies to you. The department will contact you directly with a factsheet with step-by-step instructions and the required forms to complete the validation process.

How to validate your mineral claim

Pre-2015 mineral claims (renewals)

This applies to mineral claims that were granted before 1 January 2015 and then renewed after this date.

What you need to do

To validate your claim, follow the instructions in the factsheets below and complete the required forms. 

To support you, video and PDF worked examples are available to guide you through the process. 

Fact sheets 

Pre-2015 Mineral claim (renewal) validation process for the White Cliffs Mineral claims district (PDF, 73.37 KB)

Fact sheet: Complying with legal obligations to notify landholders (PDF, 110.92 KB)

Video tutorial

Watch a video tutorial on how to complete the relevant forms for the Pre-2015 Mineral claim (renewal) validation process.

Forms

Form WC23v Notification of intention to exercise your rights under a small-scale title within the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District.

Form WC6Bv Applicant declaration of notification of intention to exercise rights under a small-scale title within the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District.

Post-2015 mineral claims (grant – not transferred)

This applies to claims granted after 1 January 2015 that have not been transferred to another holder. 

What you need to do

To validate your claim, follow the instructions in the factsheets below and complete the required forms. 

To support you, video and PDF worked examples are available to guide you through the process. 

Fact sheets

Post-2015 Mineral claim (grant) validation process for the White Cliffs Mineral claims district (PDF, 73.19 KB)

Fact sheet: Complying with legal obligations to notify landholders (PDF, 110.92 KB)

Video tutorial

Watch a video tutorial on how to complete the relevant forms for the Post-2015 Mineral claim (grant) validation process.

Forms

Form WC23v Notification of intention to exercise your rights under a small-scale title within the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District.

Form WC2Bv Declaration of notification of intention to exercise rights under a small-scale title within the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District.

Post-2015 mineral claims (transfer)

 If your claim falls into this category, the department will contact you directly. You will receive a fact sheet outlining the step-by-step process and the forms required to complete the Post-2015 Mineral Claim (transfer) validation process.

Lodging your forms

Validation forms for the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District can be lodged:

  • by email: whitecliffs@dpird.nsw.gov.au
  • by mail: Mail your form, including any attachments to, NSW Resources, PO Box 314, Lightning Ridge NSW 2834
  • in-person: at the department's office, 41 Opal Street, Lightning Ridge, NSW, between the hours of 9.30 am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm on Monday to Thursday or 9:30am to 1pm on Friday.

Validation Program for the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District

The validation program in the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District is now largely complete.

If your claim was affected, you will have already been contacted by the department and provided with the relevant forms and instructions to complete the validation process.

If you have any questions about your particular circumstances, please contact the Small-Scale Titles Project Team on 02 4063 6900 or sstproject@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

Landholder information

The department is committed to helping landholders understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to opal mining. 

Landholders can choose to share their contact details with the department to help ensure they receive the required notifications for mineral claim applications.

To do this, complete:

This form allows landholders to:

  • provide their contact details to the department
  • give consent for the department to share their details with individuals applying for a mineral claim under the Mining Act 1992.

Notification requirements

Mineral claim applicants are legally required to notify landholders about proposed mining activities.

You can learn more about these requirements in the factsheet below:

Compensation information

The department will not seek repayment of any landholder compensation already paid for mineral claims that were invalidly granted or renewed. 

Landholders may receive additional payments to account for CPI adjustments payable at the time a mineral claim is redetermined.

Landholders can contact our Small-Scale Titles project team at any time if they require information or assistance.

Frequently asked questions about the validation program

 Who do I contact for help to complete notifications and applications?

The Small-Scale Titles project team are a dedicated team established to help miners and landholders through the validation process. Contact the Small-Scale Titles project team by: 

 Do I need to stop mining on my mineral claim? 

No. Since the Mining Amendment (Mineral Claims - Opals) Act 2023 came into law, your mineral claim has been considered valid, along with all requirements to comply with the conditions of your claim. You still may be required to complete necessary steps to have your mineral claim redetermined as directed by the department, but you may mine your mineral claim.

How long do I have to lodge my completed application? 

When you are written to by the department, reasonable timeframes will be outlined for you to complete the required steps. The sooner all required documents are lodged with the department, the sooner your mineral claim can be determined.

All of the timeframes relevant to you will be set out in the correspondence sent to you by the department. If you do not complete the necessary steps by the due dates, your application may be rejected and your mineral claim refused. The department will take all possible steps to ensure you are aware of the requirements. You should contact us for assistance if you are not sure what you need to do. 

Do I need to make an application to renew my mineral claim?

If your mineral claim has already been validated, or if it was granted after 13 February 2023, you must make an application for renewal of your mineral claim prior to expiry. If your mineral claim is yet to be validated, you do not have to lodge a renewal while the application remains pending.

How long will it take to get my mineral claim redetermined?  

It is expected that some mineral claims will be able to be reissued within weeks, some may be more complex and will take longer. The sooner required notifications and forms are lodged to the Small-Scale Titles project team, the sooner your application can be processed. 

Please note that once assessed, you will receive a notice of proposed decision which will include a proposed term ending date and a copy of your conditions as well as required fees to be paid to enable redetermination. These fees should be paid as soon as possible to enable a timely processing time.

Will I be required to pay further fees and levies? 

Following assessment, when you are issued a notice of proposed decision, the department will outline any required fees or levies that are required to be paid. Depending on the proposed term ending date and the previous purported expiry, this may include a small amount to cover any CPI increase in the standard landholder compensation that was collected previously, as well as landholder compensation, administration, road, mullock and environmental levies, or renewal fee per year of tenure for future term periods. 

What if I no longer want to keep my mineral claim?

In the first instance, you are advised to contact the Small-Scale Titles project team to discuss your options.

You will need to advise the department in writing that you no longer want to keep your mineral claim and withdraw your application. A withdrawal notice takes effect immediately and is irrevocable.

You will have to complete an application for cancellation to provide evidence of satisfactory rehabilitation of your mineral claim area prior to return of any security. Please note that the Resources Regulator may perform inspections of your claim area and issue directions to complete rehabilitation where required. 

Is there any reason why my mineral claim application won’t be able to be reissued?

Each application will be determined on its merits in accordance with the provisions of the Mining Act 1992. Should your application not meet those requirements it may be refused following notice of any proposed decision to refuse and allowing you to provide any reasoning or further information as to why your application should not be refused (procedural fairness).

How can I lodge my validation paperwork?

You may lodge the required paperwork for validation either by email, in person at the Lightning Ridge office or by post. It is recommended that it be lodged via email where possible to ensure a streamlined process.

Can I transfer my invalid post-2015 claim to another person?

No.

You will be required to go through the relevant process for post-2015 mineral claim holders, and once the title is reissued in your name, you can proceed to transfer the mineral claim to another holder at that point. Alternatively, the proposed transferee may make a new application over the claim area which may, with your consent, be granted should it meet the relevant requirements of the Mining Act 1992 and no earlier application be pended over the same area.

What fees or payments will be refunded?

The department will be refunding the following fees or payments made by the current purported mineral claim holder:

  • all application fees for mineral claims invalidly granted, renewed or transferred between 1 January 2015 and 13 February 2023
  • administrative levy payments where the mineral claim is invalid. This will generally apply to mineral claims granted, transferred or renewed between 1 January 2015 and 13 February 2023.