ECONOmic impacts
Only a few countries actually mine for opals, including Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia and Mali. However, a huge 95% of opals produced worldwide originate from Australia. Opal mining first began in Australia when it was discovered in Jundah, Queensland, in 1872. Opal in Australia is commercially mined in New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. The mineral was announced in 1993 as the national gem of Australia and now has a rich history and culture behind it.
Any revenue that is generated from opal mining is most likely to be reinvested into the local community in that particular region. This dissimilar to larger mining industries, as opal mining is a relatively small business. Due to this, it is advantageous to those communities and their economies. The opal industry employs thousands of people for various jobs in the mining sector. Miners, retailers, marketers and economists all have a huge role in ensuring that everything is as it should be so that the mining can continue. The mining and production of the mineral also has a huge impact on the tourism sector. The opal mining industry encourages other fields of work, including jewellery design and national and international trade of the mineral.
The main sources of income for the mining towns are from both mining and supplying opal and also the tourism that they receive from visitors. Additionally, they contain a variety of other buildings and businesses including churches, motels, gas stations and shops.
All of the factors above are applicable to Coober Pedy, which first discovered opal in 1915. Coober Pedy receives about 100,000 tourists both domestic and international each year. Approximately 17 million Australian dollars are contributed as a result to the regional economy. Opal mining, noodling, tours and purchasing goods are the main attractions for tourists to Coober Pedy.
Other business owners are indirectly impacted by the mining industry. Without it, the tourism and the rest of the economy will be affected. Equipment manufacturers, jewellers and other businesses that are associated with the industry will all suffer consequentially.
Any revenue that is generated from opal mining is most likely to be reinvested into the local community in that particular region. This dissimilar to larger mining industries, as opal mining is a relatively small business. Due to this, it is advantageous to those communities and their economies. The opal industry employs thousands of people for various jobs in the mining sector. Miners, retailers, marketers and economists all have a huge role in ensuring that everything is as it should be so that the mining can continue. The mining and production of the mineral also has a huge impact on the tourism sector. The opal mining industry encourages other fields of work, including jewellery design and national and international trade of the mineral.
The main sources of income for the mining towns are from both mining and supplying opal and also the tourism that they receive from visitors. Additionally, they contain a variety of other buildings and businesses including churches, motels, gas stations and shops.
All of the factors above are applicable to Coober Pedy, which first discovered opal in 1915. Coober Pedy receives about 100,000 tourists both domestic and international each year. Approximately 17 million Australian dollars are contributed as a result to the regional economy. Opal mining, noodling, tours and purchasing goods are the main attractions for tourists to Coober Pedy.
Other business owners are indirectly impacted by the mining industry. Without it, the tourism and the rest of the economy will be affected. Equipment manufacturers, jewellers and other businesses that are associated with the industry will all suffer consequentially.