"Outback Opal Hunters" Attack of the Cacti

1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,479 NARRATOR: Back in town, The Rookies battle hard graft... 2 00:00:04,020 --> 00:00:06,259 It's not like fixing clocks. ..and hard lessons. 3 00:00:06,300 --> 00:00:09,299 You're gonna have to pull your finger out, boys. 4 00:00:09,340 --> 00:00:11,479 The Opal Queen fights brutal weather... 5 00:00:12,020 --> 00:00:13,479 MAN: Put a bit of effort into it, girl. 6 00:00:14,020 --> 00:00:16,219 ..and breakdowns. I hate . 7 00:00:16,260 --> 00:00:20,239 And Col's Crew take on an ageing monster. 8 00:00:20,280 --> 00:00:24,179 I'm really impressed.Greg, have a look where they've been loaded. 9 00:00:24,220 --> 00:00:27,299 Greggy's been getting to me today. Greg, watch out! 10 00:00:32,020 --> 00:00:33,999 # Money 11 00:00:35,320 --> 00:00:39,219 # And fancy clothes 12 00:00:43,120 --> 00:00:44,479 # Telling you what to do 13 00:00:45,020 --> 00:00:47,019 # The right way to live 14 00:00:47,060 --> 00:00:49,059 # And where to go # 15 00:00:56,440 --> 00:01:00,119 NARRATOR: 20,000ft above the outback, 16 00:01:00,160 --> 00:01:03,339 800km from their homes near Adelaide, 17 00:01:03,380 --> 00:01:07,259 Rookie miners, Dan and Justin, are heading back to Coober Pedy 18 00:01:07,300 --> 00:01:10,239 for two more weeks of mining. 19 00:01:10,280 --> 00:01:13,999 They're hoping to repeat their remarkable last-minute success 20 00:01:14,040 --> 00:01:16,039 at Shell Patch. 21 00:01:16,080 --> 00:01:18,319 Oh, my God. 22 00:01:20,160 --> 00:01:21,479 It's like a nugget! 23 00:01:22,020 --> 00:01:25,159 Their supersized 200 by 100 metre claim 24 00:01:25,200 --> 00:01:28,059 is starting to pay serious dividends. 25 00:01:28,100 --> 00:01:31,439 I think you probably got about 20-30 grand.Rrarr! 26 00:01:32,380 --> 00:01:35,999 So, I've got a business in Hahndorf, a cuckoo-clock shop. 27 00:01:36,040 --> 00:01:38,279 That keeps me quite busy for most of the year. 28 00:01:38,320 --> 00:01:41,019 But I feel this inner calling. 29 00:01:41,060 --> 00:01:44,059 It's in my blood to come and go treasure hunting. 30 00:01:44,100 --> 00:01:48,019 This next treasure hunt will take some serious digging. 31 00:01:48,060 --> 00:01:50,259 In order to protect the opal-bearing ground, 32 00:01:50,300 --> 00:01:53,219 50-60 ton of dirt was loaded in front of it. 33 00:01:53,260 --> 00:01:55,259 We need an excavator. 34 00:01:55,300 --> 00:01:58,159 But now isn't the time for big spending. 35 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:01,219 Oh, yeah, baby. Fresh from the birth of his baby, 36 00:02:01,260 --> 00:02:03,999 and with a growing family... You want some food? 37 00:02:04,040 --> 00:02:06,359 ..Dan is looking to secure their future. 38 00:02:06,400 --> 00:02:08,399 My heart's in two places, really, you know? 39 00:02:08,440 --> 00:02:11,339 Hopefully, this whole venture of ours will pay off, 40 00:02:11,380 --> 00:02:14,199 and that means it'll pay off for my family, as well. 41 00:02:20,380 --> 00:02:24,259 First stop, the shop of their mentor, opal hunting legend... 42 00:02:24,300 --> 00:02:27,419 Hey, there. Here's the Hahndorf boys...John Dunstan. 43 00:02:27,460 --> 00:02:30,319 Hey, good to see you. Congratulations on the new baby. 44 00:02:30,360 --> 00:02:33,019 Thank you kindly. Little Nina Marie. 45 00:02:33,060 --> 00:02:35,419 A bit hard leaving your little baby.Yeah, it is, 46 00:02:35,460 --> 00:02:37,999 but now we're here, ready to mine. 47 00:02:38,040 --> 00:02:40,999 You come to get your ute? Yep, absolutely.Yep. 48 00:02:41,040 --> 00:02:43,419 There she is.There's your keys. 49 00:02:43,460 --> 00:02:47,099 As well as providing invaluable mining experience, 50 00:02:47,140 --> 00:02:50,139 John also looks after their four-wheel drive. 51 00:02:50,180 --> 00:02:54,179 Thank you so much. Thanks, John.For being so generous looking after our car... 52 00:02:54,220 --> 00:02:57,179 Yep...and also helping us out last time, 53 00:02:57,220 --> 00:03:00,239 we've got a little goodie for you. Cuckoo clock, is it?Yeah. 54 00:03:00,280 --> 00:03:04,279 You're joking?! All hand-carved and all wooden. 55 00:03:05,360 --> 00:03:08,359 That's unbelievable. Wait till my wife sees it. 56 00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:11,119 Found one that had a few rocks here 57 00:03:11,160 --> 00:03:14,159 which is the closest to opal mining that we could get. 58 00:03:14,200 --> 00:03:17,059 Wow, that's beautiful. Thank you. 59 00:03:17,100 --> 00:03:18,259 See you. 60 00:03:18,300 --> 00:03:20,479 The old hand... 61 00:03:21,020 --> 00:03:24,359 and the young guns are all headed for Shell Patch, 62 00:03:24,400 --> 00:03:27,459 the opal field of dreams. 63 00:03:28,000 --> 00:03:30,019 We better find some opal now. 64 00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:38,074 Do you want subtitles for any video? -=[ ai.OpenSubtitles.com ]=- 65 00:03:40,220 --> 00:03:44,299 Lightning Ridge, in the far north of New South Wales. 66 00:03:46,320 --> 00:03:49,199 Kelly Tishler and her father, Al, 67 00:03:49,240 --> 00:03:52,299 are up against it... I can't believe it. 68 00:03:52,340 --> 00:03:56,059 ..as they try to shoehorn two square kilometres of drilling 69 00:03:56,100 --> 00:03:59,259 into an exploration permit of just 28 days. 70 00:03:59,300 --> 00:04:02,079 Not many people drill all year round. 71 00:04:02,120 --> 00:04:04,239 You just can't do it. You can't mentally do it, 72 00:04:04,280 --> 00:04:06,439 and you can't afford to do it. 73 00:04:06,480 --> 00:04:10,259 Kelly and Al are on the hunt for black seam opal. 74 00:04:10,300 --> 00:04:12,339 Prized for its dark colour, 75 00:04:12,380 --> 00:04:17,099 a good stone can command $35,000 per carat. 76 00:04:17,140 --> 00:04:19,319 There's nothing better than finding opal. 77 00:04:20,480 --> 00:04:23,359 But searching for it is a massive gamble. 78 00:04:23,400 --> 00:04:27,159 The worse thing is you get your ass kicked, don't get a piece and you're like, 79 00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:29,199 "There goes 28 days I'm not getting back." 80 00:04:29,240 --> 00:04:31,239 Kelly?Hi! 81 00:04:31,280 --> 00:04:35,399 Time and money. For mother of three, Kelly, there's never enough. 82 00:04:35,440 --> 00:04:37,219 Come on. 83 00:04:37,260 --> 00:04:41,039 The kids have had to understand that this is what we do, 84 00:04:41,080 --> 00:04:43,259 and it's been hard for them. 85 00:04:43,300 --> 00:04:46,179 It's not about you. So then you gotta put your mum hat on. 86 00:04:47,240 --> 00:04:50,459 Life at the drill rig hasn't been any easier. 87 00:04:51,000 --> 00:04:53,439 When you're on the lease, we work seven days a week. 88 00:04:53,480 --> 00:04:56,459 After just one week of drilling, 89 00:04:57,000 --> 00:04:59,259 Kelly and Al are running out of cash... 90 00:04:59,300 --> 00:05:02,039 I haven't given up just yet, but it's pretty ominous. 91 00:05:02,080 --> 00:05:04,339 ..while the days keep flying by. You have to have 92 00:05:04,380 --> 00:05:07,479 good conditions both above ground and below ground, 93 00:05:08,020 --> 00:05:10,279 so if we don't have that, we don't have money. 94 00:05:10,320 --> 00:05:12,319 Mind your balls. 95 00:05:13,340 --> 00:05:16,259 Ideally, opal should live around here somewhere. 96 00:05:18,340 --> 00:05:22,419 But...whether we can nut it out in the next 28 days, 97 00:05:22,460 --> 00:05:24,459 that'll be the big thing. 98 00:05:26,200 --> 00:05:29,479 Their lease is the size of 300 football fields, 99 00:05:30,020 --> 00:05:32,479 with much of it already drilled by other miners. 100 00:05:33,020 --> 00:05:35,019 Keep going, you're all right. 101 00:05:35,060 --> 00:05:38,479 Kelly and Al head for the most remote corner... 102 00:05:39,020 --> 00:05:41,019 Whoop! 103 00:05:43,280 --> 00:05:45,279 ..to find... 104 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:47,999 Watch the cactus. 105 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:51,019 ..one of the most detested outback residents 106 00:05:51,060 --> 00:05:53,379 the notorious Hudson pear cactus. 107 00:05:53,420 --> 00:05:56,039 Those barbs, they are razor sharp. 108 00:05:56,080 --> 00:06:00,219 If you were to fall into it, it'd puncture into your chest. 109 00:06:00,260 --> 00:06:02,359 Goes into your heart, it'd kill you. 110 00:06:03,140 --> 00:06:06,319 Ow. Introduced in the 1960s, 111 00:06:06,360 --> 00:06:10,159 this noxious weed is now threatening to take over the region. 112 00:06:10,200 --> 00:06:14,059 Ow. For miners, it's a constant battle. 113 00:06:14,100 --> 00:06:16,099 Like a needle. Little . 114 00:06:19,040 --> 00:06:23,139 Notoriously hard to kill. We need like an army to take it on. 115 00:06:23,180 --> 00:06:26,319 Look at the root system on these bastards. Look at that. 116 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:28,079 Ow. 117 00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:32,119 But now, Al's old shovel is causing Kelly even more pain. 118 00:06:32,160 --> 00:06:34,479 No opal. Cactus and splinters. 119 00:06:35,020 --> 00:06:37,259 Give me your wallet, I'll go and get a new shovel. 120 00:06:37,300 --> 00:06:40,159 Nothing wrong with that one. Perfectly good. 121 00:06:40,200 --> 00:06:43,299 It's old as you. Look at that. Pure quality. 122 00:06:49,300 --> 00:06:52,179 Kelly's hungrier than ever for opal. 123 00:06:53,300 --> 00:06:57,359 Why do I eat them? Opal's got a distinctive ting to it. 124 00:06:57,400 --> 00:07:00,379 You can feel it between your teeth, if it's hard or not, 125 00:07:00,420 --> 00:07:02,419 rather than using your eyes. 126 00:07:03,400 --> 00:07:06,299 Mind you, we'll probably end up with no teeth but... 127 00:07:06,340 --> 00:07:08,439 And no opal either. 128 00:07:10,440 --> 00:07:12,439 Shit, shit, shit. 129 00:07:12,480 --> 00:07:15,199 We need to find opal to keep doing it. 130 00:07:17,240 --> 00:07:19,419 Nothing. Absolutely nothing. 131 00:07:21,140 --> 00:07:24,379 You slog your guts out and then you still get nothing. 132 00:07:24,420 --> 00:07:28,019 Hole number 20, and nothing at the moment. 133 00:07:28,060 --> 00:07:30,279 But now, a more pressing worry. 134 00:07:30,320 --> 00:07:34,319 Those hoses...they're perished. 135 00:07:34,360 --> 00:07:38,179 Lot of pressure going through there. That's when it becomes quite dangerous. 136 00:07:40,100 --> 00:07:42,439 Hydraulic fluid can be lethal. 137 00:07:42,480 --> 00:07:45,139 Last thing you want is a hydraulic hose burst. 138 00:07:45,180 --> 00:07:47,259 Operating under extreme pressure... 139 00:07:47,300 --> 00:07:52,039 Al, that one up there, that new one does look a little droopy. 140 00:07:52,080 --> 00:07:55,119 ..a pinhole leak can spurt oil at such velocity, 141 00:07:55,160 --> 00:07:58,999 it can penetrate clothing and even skin. 142 00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:01,219 If it goes up higher, not too bad. 143 00:08:01,260 --> 00:08:03,439 Goes down here, you'll get a hydraulic injection. 144 00:08:05,360 --> 00:08:07,359 Could kill you. 145 00:08:22,020 --> 00:08:26,479 Near Opalton, at the mining camp of Col's Crew... 146 00:08:30,080 --> 00:08:33,239 ..Col Duff is in the mood for some time alone. 147 00:08:36,360 --> 00:08:40,019 I've gotta go and see the specialist down in Brisbane Hospital. 148 00:08:40,060 --> 00:08:45,039 He's just received the news that he still has mouth cancer. 149 00:08:45,080 --> 00:08:49,019 They thought they'd got it all. They chopped a big chunk out 150 00:08:49,060 --> 00:08:51,299 that was cancerous, from under my tongue 151 00:08:51,340 --> 00:08:55,319 and there was some cells on the edge of the margins of the sample. 152 00:08:55,360 --> 00:08:58,199 So it means they gotta take a little bit more. 153 00:08:59,160 --> 00:09:03,159 In two days' time, he'll make the 1,500km trip 154 00:09:03,200 --> 00:09:05,279 for one more operation. 155 00:09:05,320 --> 00:09:09,339 It's a little bit scary. It could take me out for another month. 156 00:09:09,380 --> 00:09:14,039 Never give up, you just adjust your plans a little bit. 157 00:09:14,080 --> 00:09:17,079 While Col comes to grips with his news... 158 00:09:19,100 --> 00:09:23,039 ..mining mates, Aaron and Greg, are checking over a new purchase. 159 00:09:23,080 --> 00:09:25,199 This is like the drill of all drills, isn't it? 160 00:09:25,240 --> 00:09:27,239 Yeah, they're handy.They're handy. 161 00:09:27,280 --> 00:09:29,439 To turbocharge their hunt for opal, 162 00:09:29,480 --> 00:09:31,479 the crew have splashed out. 163 00:09:32,020 --> 00:09:34,179 Apparently, it's in very good condition. 164 00:09:34,220 --> 00:09:38,379 This exploration drill rig is worth over $10,000. 165 00:09:38,420 --> 00:09:40,419 It'll go 70ft, not a problem. 166 00:09:40,460 --> 00:09:43,219 It's better to drill your ground and understand it 167 00:09:43,260 --> 00:09:47,099 before you go and dig the shit out of it and make a mess, I believe. 168 00:09:47,140 --> 00:09:51,239 Otherwise, you make a mess and then think, "Geez, I should have drilled it." 169 00:09:51,280 --> 00:09:54,379 This is the last model before they went fully hydraulic. 170 00:09:55,140 --> 00:09:57,299 It's cable-operated. Yeah.It can hurt ya. 171 00:09:57,340 --> 00:10:01,139 Yeah, people have been hurt by these machines. 172 00:10:02,160 --> 00:10:05,239 Weighing 27 tons, the Caldwell drill 173 00:10:05,280 --> 00:10:10,039 is comprised of a toothed bucket on the end of a drilling arm. 174 00:10:10,080 --> 00:10:13,159 Modern drill rigs use hydraulics for heavy lifting. 175 00:10:13,200 --> 00:10:18,359 Greg and Aaron's 40-year-old relic uses cables, winches, and muscle 176 00:10:18,400 --> 00:10:21,079 to drive its steel bucket into the ground. 177 00:10:22,420 --> 00:10:26,059 But with nearly a ton of rock swinging on a cable, 178 00:10:26,100 --> 00:10:28,239 things can go horribly wrong. 179 00:10:29,400 --> 00:10:34,079 People have died, too. So, you wanna do this shit right. 180 00:10:35,020 --> 00:10:37,319 First job, the brand. 181 00:10:37,360 --> 00:10:40,999 I'm not real good at spray-painting, but we'll see how we go. 182 00:10:41,040 --> 00:10:43,339 Geran, Grotjahn, and Duff. 183 00:10:43,380 --> 00:10:46,239 G and G.And D.And D. 184 00:10:49,020 --> 00:10:53,159 Oh, shut up, eh? Put a D there, that'll do. 185 00:10:53,200 --> 00:10:57,419 D for Duff. We'll do the other side. Might be a better job. 186 00:10:59,400 --> 00:11:01,199 Aw. 187 00:11:02,180 --> 00:11:03,219 It's pretty rough, eh? 188 00:11:06,100 --> 00:11:08,099 And D. That's wrong, isn't it? 189 00:11:11,040 --> 00:11:14,399 GG...and D are open for business. 190 00:11:15,080 --> 00:11:18,459 All they need now is some land to drill. 191 00:11:26,040 --> 00:11:29,319 Solid, colour we're gonna find it. I'm feeling lucky this trip. 192 00:11:29,360 --> 00:11:33,359 After a month away from their lucrative Shell Patch claim... 193 00:11:33,400 --> 00:11:35,299 We're back, we're back. 194 00:11:35,340 --> 00:11:39,039 ..Rookies Dan and Justin are looking for their next opal fix. 195 00:11:39,080 --> 00:11:42,239 I wouldn't mind another one of those shells.I think we need a few. 196 00:11:42,280 --> 00:11:45,999 These two are relying on the generosity of John Dunstan 197 00:11:46,040 --> 00:11:49,379 and his earth-moving equipment on the claim next door. 198 00:11:49,420 --> 00:11:51,419 That's Johnny Dunstan's claim right here. 199 00:11:51,460 --> 00:11:54,439 The last time they were here, John's excavator 200 00:11:54,480 --> 00:11:56,479 uncovered a bonanza for the boys. 201 00:11:57,020 --> 00:12:00,059 We got green opal! Look at the trace in here. Look at the trace. 202 00:12:00,100 --> 00:12:02,099 Let me try and lift you up, my friend! 203 00:12:04,480 --> 00:12:08,279 But to prevent thieves mining it while they were away... 204 00:12:08,320 --> 00:12:12,379 Once the level's exposed like that, you're gonna get people coming around to look. 205 00:12:12,420 --> 00:12:16,259 ..John re-buried it under tons of rubble. 206 00:12:16,300 --> 00:12:20,379 Erm, if he can take that dirt away so that we can access 207 00:12:20,420 --> 00:12:24,379 the area where we're mining, that would be fantastic. 208 00:12:24,420 --> 00:12:28,059 We'll look around and see if he's here. He might be up on his claim. 209 00:12:28,100 --> 00:12:31,139 John is, but his machine is out of action. 210 00:12:31,180 --> 00:12:33,179 It's not easy. I've tried already. 211 00:12:33,220 --> 00:12:36,279 The teeth on his excavator require some surgery. 212 00:12:36,320 --> 00:12:40,059 What we've gotta do is get a couple more teeth out, knock 'em out. 213 00:12:40,100 --> 00:12:43,179 I wore 'em out digging through all my ground over there. 214 00:12:44,000 --> 00:12:47,399 If the boys want the excavator, they'll have to work for it. 215 00:12:47,440 --> 00:12:51,419 We'll put this on.If we can manage to get this one out, I'll be happy. 216 00:12:51,460 --> 00:12:53,459 The teeth are held in by pins, 217 00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:57,239 which need to be forced out using a bolt and... 218 00:12:57,280 --> 00:12:59,319 Let's get this out.All right. 219 00:12:59,360 --> 00:13:00,459 ..brute strength. 220 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:02,319 Give it some! 221 00:13:07,280 --> 00:13:09,399 It's not like fixing clocks. 222 00:13:09,440 --> 00:13:12,479 Heavy-duty tape should hold the bolt in place 223 00:13:13,020 --> 00:13:16,259 as it drives the pin out. Shall I get a smaller hammer? 224 00:13:20,080 --> 00:13:21,379 OK. 225 00:13:22,280 --> 00:13:25,379 That's it. Now you've got it.Whoo! Beautiful. 226 00:13:25,420 --> 00:13:28,159 There she is. Tooth extraction complete. 227 00:13:28,200 --> 00:13:31,059 Now you can class yourself as a dentist. 228 00:13:32,340 --> 00:13:34,479 With the new tooth fitted... 229 00:13:35,020 --> 00:13:37,019 That's it. We're going to work. 230 00:13:38,140 --> 00:13:41,439 ..John can now re-expose the rich pickings. 231 00:13:43,340 --> 00:13:45,339 He's getting close to the level now. 232 00:13:45,380 --> 00:13:48,399 I'm gonna go and get the first opal of the trip. 233 00:13:48,440 --> 00:13:51,019 That'd be great. 234 00:13:51,060 --> 00:13:54,379 I'm finding it just on that alunite on top.Yeah, yeah. 235 00:13:54,420 --> 00:13:59,019 A vein of white mineral alunite, often associated with opal, 236 00:13:59,060 --> 00:14:01,159 is a positive sign. 237 00:14:01,200 --> 00:14:06,079 They say it takes five million years to get opal one centimetre thick. 238 00:14:06,120 --> 00:14:09,159 You could be a few centimetres away from a million dollars 239 00:14:09,200 --> 00:14:11,199 and you wouldn't even know. 240 00:14:11,480 --> 00:14:14,279 Little bit more up here. Just there. 241 00:14:14,320 --> 00:14:16,259 It's in there. 242 00:14:17,260 --> 00:14:20,059 It's a dusty affair this, isn't it? 243 00:14:20,100 --> 00:14:22,319 It's turned out to be a mongrel day. 244 00:14:22,360 --> 00:14:26,259 I want to see some opal badly. If we could find that little bit of trace. 245 00:14:26,300 --> 00:14:28,299 In there.There's a bit. 246 00:14:30,260 --> 00:14:34,059 No way? Yes.No way? Hang on. 247 00:14:34,100 --> 00:14:37,479 Wait a second. See the green?Where? Look at this, look at this! 248 00:14:38,020 --> 00:14:40,019 This thing here. Look. 249 00:14:40,060 --> 00:14:42,099 Look at that. Look at that. 250 00:14:55,040 --> 00:14:57,379 In Lightning Ridge, 251 00:14:57,420 --> 00:15:01,099 Al's old gear is at breaking point. 252 00:15:01,140 --> 00:15:06,139 Coming from here. See the oil coming out of them? 253 00:15:06,180 --> 00:15:08,179 Putting a lot of extra strain on the hose. 254 00:15:09,260 --> 00:15:13,019 If the hydraulics burst now, Al and his daughter, Kelly, 255 00:15:13,060 --> 00:15:16,119 are in the firing line of highly-pressurised fluid. 256 00:15:16,160 --> 00:15:19,279 We're gonna have to fix them. The organ needs to be pulled up 257 00:15:19,320 --> 00:15:21,199 and the drill shut down. 258 00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:24,479 Ah, don't like it. It's gone from bad to worse. 259 00:15:26,080 --> 00:15:29,139 But the auger isn't rising like it should. 260 00:15:29,180 --> 00:15:31,279 There's a problem with the drill, the auger. 261 00:15:31,320 --> 00:15:35,319 It's too soft to wind it all up, so it just goes around and around. 262 00:15:35,360 --> 00:15:38,299 So I'm winding as much out as I can. 263 00:15:38,340 --> 00:15:40,479 And now, adding to the pressure... 264 00:15:41,020 --> 00:15:44,379 The verdict for rain's about 90 to 100%. 265 00:15:44,420 --> 00:15:47,159 Bad weather is on the way. 266 00:15:47,200 --> 00:15:51,339 The only thing that's gonna stop you on a lease is a breakdown or the weather. 267 00:15:51,380 --> 00:15:54,119 Muddy ground could bog their truck. 268 00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:57,419 Windy, eh?And with rain coming, yeah, we could be in trouble. 269 00:15:57,460 --> 00:16:01,099 Wet and greasy machinery could pose an even greater risk. 270 00:16:01,140 --> 00:16:03,359 One small thing could go wrong. If you drop an auger, 271 00:16:03,400 --> 00:16:05,479 you can kill yourself or kill somebody else. 272 00:16:08,420 --> 00:16:11,239 Gotta be really, really careful. 273 00:16:11,280 --> 00:16:14,179 Rain could stop them for days. 274 00:16:15,380 --> 00:16:19,279 Al and Kelly risk it to try and finish one more hole. 275 00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:24,099 Let's go. One more. Come on, Al. 276 00:16:24,140 --> 00:16:27,019 OK. One more, old fella, get it in here. 277 00:16:28,260 --> 00:16:31,279 Put a bit of effort into it, girl. I hate this shit. 278 00:16:36,140 --> 00:16:40,299 Can't stop the lease. Rain comes in and you're bogged to the arse, that's it. 279 00:16:43,080 --> 00:16:47,219 Let's take her up. There is no more. The day is done. 280 00:16:49,060 --> 00:16:52,379 With the rain coming, we've gotta just keep moving upwards. 281 00:16:52,420 --> 00:16:56,479 They move to higher ground, less likely to get flooded. 282 00:17:00,400 --> 00:17:04,139 That's the end of it for today. Rain's coming in. 283 00:17:04,180 --> 00:17:07,419 Kelly and Al's drilling programme is now on hold 284 00:17:07,460 --> 00:17:09,459 until the weather clears. 285 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:12,259 If it rains over days, 286 00:17:12,300 --> 00:17:15,439 even if it just drizzles, like this, we can't do anything. 287 00:17:15,480 --> 00:17:18,319 So, this actually is a cost. 288 00:17:18,360 --> 00:17:20,359 I'm all packed up and ready to go. 289 00:17:20,400 --> 00:17:24,159 Are ya? All right. I'll see you tomorrow.I'll go and say goodbye. 290 00:17:24,200 --> 00:17:28,399 With their 28-day lease and bank accounts dwindling... 291 00:17:28,440 --> 00:17:30,379 OK.All right.See ya.See ya. 292 00:17:30,420 --> 00:17:35,119 ..Kelly will have to try new ways to make her season's opal target. 293 00:17:35,160 --> 00:17:38,079 You have the knowledge, but then you've gotta have the luck. 294 00:17:38,120 --> 00:17:41,019 You gotta have everything going all the right way. 295 00:17:50,420 --> 00:17:52,399 Get up. Righto. 296 00:17:52,440 --> 00:17:55,439 Col's Crew are hungry to deliver some good news 297 00:17:55,480 --> 00:17:58,299 before Col heads to hospital. 298 00:17:58,340 --> 00:18:00,339 They're driving into the unknown, 299 00:18:00,380 --> 00:18:03,439 hunting for a new claim of precious opal. 300 00:18:05,480 --> 00:18:09,419 Hey, guys. Hey, let's see if we can find some opal. 301 00:18:09,460 --> 00:18:13,199 Always get excited. It's a new opportunity. 302 00:18:13,240 --> 00:18:17,059 You do gotta find opal, or you might as well just not be here. 303 00:18:17,100 --> 00:18:20,039 While mustering from the air, one of Col's mates 304 00:18:20,080 --> 00:18:22,199 has spotted signs of old mines. 305 00:18:24,460 --> 00:18:27,239 But finding them on the ground... 306 00:18:27,280 --> 00:18:30,119 I'm just not sure this is the way we want to go. 307 00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:32,319 ..is a more difficult proposition. 308 00:18:32,360 --> 00:18:35,059 I'm just gonna go for a walk through here. 309 00:18:35,100 --> 00:18:39,219 We're just following Col today and see how we go. 310 00:18:39,260 --> 00:18:41,439 Col's gonna ask a cow where we've gotta go. 311 00:18:44,020 --> 00:18:46,319 I think we've gotta go through those gates there, 312 00:18:46,360 --> 00:18:48,359 and keep heading west. 313 00:18:48,400 --> 00:18:52,419 He's our navigator. The navigator.Yeah. 314 00:18:52,460 --> 00:18:55,279 Yeah, I think we need to be on that one. 315 00:18:55,320 --> 00:18:58,119 And it comes around this way. There's a gate. 316 00:18:58,160 --> 00:19:00,239 Righto.We've got a plan of attack. 317 00:19:04,160 --> 00:19:06,359 You gotta know what you're doing, or you end up 318 00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:10,039 in the middle of nowhere, and it's 20Ks to anywhere. 319 00:19:13,120 --> 00:19:16,279 At last, Col thinks they're getting close. 320 00:19:16,320 --> 00:19:21,079 We've got to go straight east here for about a mile or so. 321 00:19:21,120 --> 00:19:25,339 There's a few old shafts and so rather than get the car through first, 322 00:19:25,380 --> 00:19:27,379 we'll get through on the quad and the bike. 323 00:19:33,340 --> 00:19:36,199 Col's on the lookout for any signs of mining. 324 00:19:51,080 --> 00:19:53,219 Finally, Col spots some diggings. 325 00:19:53,260 --> 00:19:55,479 We'll go round here and see if there's any more. 326 00:19:56,020 --> 00:19:58,259 Now, to see if it's been worth all the effort. 327 00:19:58,300 --> 00:20:00,099 Yeah. 328 00:20:02,480 --> 00:20:04,479 Just trying... 329 00:20:05,020 --> 00:20:07,339 Yeah, it's nice-looking ground, you can see the ground. 330 00:20:07,380 --> 00:20:12,119 Here's a big chunk, Aaron. Little speck of green, I think I can see in there. 331 00:20:12,160 --> 00:20:15,199 Have a look at this, Col. Look at that. 332 00:20:15,240 --> 00:20:18,999 Ah, beauty.That's colour.That's colour. Ah, isn't that good? 333 00:20:19,080 --> 00:20:22,219 It's low-grade opal, or "potch." 334 00:20:22,260 --> 00:20:24,259 This has got a bit of bright colour in it. 335 00:20:24,300 --> 00:20:29,119 And where there's potch, precious opal is often close by. 336 00:20:29,160 --> 00:20:32,219 That's a really good sign. As soon as the ground starts to work, 337 00:20:32,260 --> 00:20:35,999 where you're get closer to the fault, bang, it turns on. 338 00:20:37,160 --> 00:20:41,379 Col and his crew may have just found their next mother lode. 339 00:20:43,220 --> 00:20:45,099 Hey, Greg.I'm looking. 340 00:20:45,140 --> 00:20:47,059 Further investigation required. 341 00:20:47,460 --> 00:20:49,459 Next step... 342 00:20:50,460 --> 00:20:55,199 ..their new drill rig and a lesson on how to use it. 343 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:10,319 Ooh, hey, check this out. You'll like the colour of that? 344 00:21:10,360 --> 00:21:13,199 Justin and Dan... Look at the colour in that, John. 345 00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:15,459 Oh, yeah, that's nice. Whoa. Look at that. 346 00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:18,419 ..have hit colour on their Shell Patch claim. 347 00:21:18,460 --> 00:21:21,299 We've got more in the wall. Look. Have a look.Right. 348 00:21:21,340 --> 00:21:26,159 They're hunting for opalised shells, created millions of years ago 349 00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:30,039 by silica filling the voids of disintegrating seashells. 350 00:21:30,080 --> 00:21:34,279 A single piece has been valued up to $200,000. 351 00:21:36,220 --> 00:21:39,419 And the opal will come but we're not gonna expect it. 352 00:21:39,460 --> 00:21:43,119 There's fuel, there's the cost of food, the cost of accommodation, 353 00:21:43,160 --> 00:21:45,439 so everything starts to cost you a lot of money. 354 00:21:45,480 --> 00:21:48,439 Is this sort of what you do, John? Really gouge underneath it, 355 00:21:48,480 --> 00:21:52,459 and try and get the biggest cluster pieces you can get. 356 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:55,099 Yeah.Because they're worth a lot of money. 357 00:21:55,140 --> 00:21:58,319 There's a nice shell here. The colour in this is beautiful. 358 00:21:58,360 --> 00:22:00,359 The boys follow the trace, 359 00:22:00,400 --> 00:22:03,139 finding enticing fragments along the way. 360 00:22:03,180 --> 00:22:06,219 Best colour I've ever seen. Amazing. 361 00:22:06,260 --> 00:22:10,019 Small skin shells, might even be a little fossil sort of thing. 362 00:22:10,060 --> 00:22:13,159 The tide seems to be turning in their favour. 363 00:22:13,200 --> 00:22:16,219 Nice colour. All you need is full ones now. 364 00:22:16,260 --> 00:22:19,019 That little piece might be one night's accommodation. 365 00:22:19,060 --> 00:22:21,459 If we can find some more, we might be able to stay longer. 366 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:26,459 It's been hard to tell in the field. There's a lot of mud still on there, 367 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:29,359 so it could be worth, you know, 50 bucks, 368 00:22:29,400 --> 00:22:31,399 could be worth 500. 369 00:22:31,440 --> 00:22:34,199 Ooh, check that out. 370 00:22:34,240 --> 00:22:39,119 Ooh, nice. That's a beautiful specimen. Look at that on the back. 371 00:22:39,160 --> 00:22:41,439 Yeah, no, that's good. 372 00:22:41,480 --> 00:22:45,179 So far, it's been small, pocket-money pieces, 373 00:22:45,220 --> 00:22:47,299 but this one big chunk... 374 00:22:47,340 --> 00:22:51,019 Gouge underneath it and then you sorta just reef it down, 375 00:22:51,060 --> 00:22:54,039 and catch it in your hand. There we go. 376 00:22:54,080 --> 00:22:58,319 ..could hold hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of opal. 377 00:22:58,360 --> 00:23:00,259 Dug... 378 00:23:00,300 --> 00:23:02,339 Nothing. 379 00:23:03,120 --> 00:23:05,359 Look at that. It's all through the front. 380 00:23:05,400 --> 00:23:10,079 Yeah. Didn't come out the other side though. 381 00:23:10,120 --> 00:23:13,199 When the going gets tough, one part of me sort of 382 00:23:13,240 --> 00:23:16,299 longs to be back home, you know, sooner than later. 383 00:23:16,340 --> 00:23:19,219 And that sort of creeps up on me. 384 00:23:25,080 --> 00:23:28,399 With the trace disappearing, along with morale... 385 00:23:28,440 --> 00:23:31,099 All right.That's it? No more? 386 00:23:31,140 --> 00:23:34,479 ..John the veteran offers some sage advice. 387 00:23:35,020 --> 00:23:37,319 Opal's a bit like that. It sort of makes and breaks, 388 00:23:37,360 --> 00:23:40,199 you know, when it's trace like that. Yeah, yeah. 389 00:23:40,240 --> 00:23:43,219 But all of a sudden, one day, you'll come across a big pocket. 390 00:23:43,260 --> 00:23:46,299 Yeah. 391 00:23:46,340 --> 00:23:48,339 They're getting desperate. 392 00:23:49,240 --> 00:23:52,439 Hey, John, what do you say we take a bit more off this face? 393 00:23:52,480 --> 00:23:54,479 Yeah, I reckon it's time. 394 00:23:59,420 --> 00:24:02,159 Back in Opalton, 395 00:24:02,200 --> 00:24:06,199 Col's Crew are gearing up for their first drilling lesson. 396 00:24:06,380 --> 00:24:09,279 Massive. You want me to jump in? 397 00:24:11,100 --> 00:24:13,999 A neighbour has agreed to show them the ropes... 398 00:24:15,380 --> 00:24:18,219 ..if they can move the drill rig. 399 00:24:18,260 --> 00:24:20,259 Is she running all right? 400 00:24:20,300 --> 00:24:23,359 You know how the brakes work? Park brake and that? 401 00:24:27,120 --> 00:24:29,119 There we go. 402 00:24:43,300 --> 00:24:45,299 How are yous travelling back there, boys? 403 00:25:01,260 --> 00:25:04,359 There's a bit of a possibility all through here. 404 00:25:04,400 --> 00:25:08,419 We really need to pepper it. Spend a week down the track, 405 00:25:08,460 --> 00:25:11,419 when I come back and I'm healed up. 406 00:25:13,260 --> 00:25:17,099 Never far from Col's mind is his cancer. 407 00:25:17,140 --> 00:25:19,039 Running out of time. 408 00:25:19,380 --> 00:25:23,099 Tomorrow, he must travel to Brisbane for more surgery. 409 00:25:23,140 --> 00:25:27,059 Yeah, it's just a shame. I gotta go away. Oh, well. 410 00:25:27,100 --> 00:25:29,459 A big find of opal before he leaves 411 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:32,319 would be a welcome dose of good news. 412 00:25:38,320 --> 00:25:42,039 Fellow miner, Gil, arrives to begin the drilling lesson. 413 00:25:42,080 --> 00:25:44,079 How are you going, Gil?Yeah, good, Greg. 414 00:25:44,120 --> 00:25:48,039 Yeah, we picked up our own drill about three years ago. And it's not for everyone. 415 00:25:48,080 --> 00:25:52,159 It's a very dangerous machine, and you've really gotta know how to operate machinery. 416 00:25:54,480 --> 00:25:57,339 Drilling school is now in session. 417 00:25:57,380 --> 00:25:59,999 You've just gotta remember, mate, you're it. 418 00:26:00,040 --> 00:26:02,199 Everything you say, they've gotta listen to. 419 00:26:02,240 --> 00:26:05,999 As the nominated driller, all eyes are on Aaron. 420 00:26:06,040 --> 00:26:08,219 That arm can't come swinging back too fast. 421 00:26:08,260 --> 00:26:12,099 Yep.When you go to drop it, it's dropping straight on your head. 422 00:26:12,140 --> 00:26:14,139 And you fellas who are working behind it, 423 00:26:14,180 --> 00:26:17,359 you see something that he's forgotten, "Whoa, hey! 424 00:26:17,400 --> 00:26:19,399 Aaron, what about this?" 425 00:26:21,140 --> 00:26:25,179 For Aaron, it's a lot to have riding on his shoulders. 426 00:26:25,220 --> 00:26:28,239 Be steady-steady, and work our way through it. 427 00:26:28,280 --> 00:26:30,279 Don't panic. Panic slowly. 428 00:26:32,080 --> 00:26:34,079 That's good. 429 00:26:35,000 --> 00:26:36,999 Whoa! That'll do. 430 00:26:40,260 --> 00:26:44,059 Time to see if this 40-year-old rig... 431 00:26:45,460 --> 00:26:48,379 ..and Aaron are up to the task. 432 00:26:48,420 --> 00:26:50,419 That's up and down, yep. 433 00:26:50,460 --> 00:26:53,119 OK.Rotation. 434 00:26:53,160 --> 00:26:55,159 And... 435 00:26:56,400 --> 00:26:58,999 You gotta... Clutch off, yeah. 436 00:26:59,040 --> 00:27:01,999 It pays to have your hand on a lever, the right sort of lever, 437 00:27:02,040 --> 00:27:05,399 most of the time.Yeah. So you know where you're at. 438 00:27:05,440 --> 00:27:09,099 It's scary. You get out of step, and you can see, 439 00:27:09,140 --> 00:27:13,079 if something goes wrong with this very quickly, it can go very wrong. 440 00:27:13,120 --> 00:27:15,219 Come back in a week or two, a month or so, 441 00:27:15,260 --> 00:27:19,239 and he'll be a completely different operator, he'll be pushing it through. 442 00:27:20,480 --> 00:27:23,339 The rookie driller needs to pay attention. 443 00:27:24,340 --> 00:27:26,339 Righto. We're all right to go up, eh? 444 00:27:28,080 --> 00:27:30,079 Yeah, give it some revs. 445 00:27:31,340 --> 00:27:33,339 Whoo! 446 00:27:36,340 --> 00:27:40,019 Watch him there, Greggy.Just get your bucket in the centre first. 447 00:27:40,060 --> 00:27:42,319 I know, mate. That's it. That's how you do it. 448 00:27:45,340 --> 00:27:49,119 But the distractions are coming from everywhere. 449 00:27:49,160 --> 00:27:52,039 I can hear that drone buzzing around. 450 00:27:52,080 --> 00:27:54,079 Hey, boys, say cheese! 451 00:27:54,120 --> 00:27:56,119 We're drilling our first hole! 452 00:28:01,220 --> 00:28:04,319 Gotta have full concentration. What do you think, Greg? 453 00:28:04,360 --> 00:28:08,039 Go up a fraction.You reckon it should be in by more, mate? 454 00:28:08,080 --> 00:28:10,079 Steady as she goes. 455 00:28:10,120 --> 00:28:13,019 Greg, have a look where they've been loaded. 456 00:28:13,060 --> 00:28:15,059 I know you know everything, but... 457 00:28:15,100 --> 00:28:19,319 It's never been here.Never been. It's all been here, right? 458 00:28:19,360 --> 00:28:23,299 Whoa! Greg, watch out. 459 00:28:23,340 --> 00:28:26,999 I don't want you to jam your... I don't wanna hurt you. 460 00:28:27,380 --> 00:28:29,379 Twenty minutes at the helm 461 00:28:29,420 --> 00:28:32,299 and Aaron's nerves are starting to fray. 462 00:28:32,340 --> 00:28:34,339 Greggy's been getting to me today, eh? 463 00:28:35,340 --> 00:28:37,339 He gets real critical. 464 00:28:37,380 --> 00:28:40,399 So, slow down and concentrate. 465 00:28:50,440 --> 00:28:56,419 Wet weather has forced Kelly and Al off their 28-day lease. 466 00:29:00,420 --> 00:29:02,419 But in Lightning Ridge... 467 00:29:05,020 --> 00:29:07,219 ..opal fever has taken hold. 468 00:29:08,240 --> 00:29:12,019 Buyers from around the world have converged on the tiny town 469 00:29:12,060 --> 00:29:14,199 for its annual opal festival, 470 00:29:14,240 --> 00:29:16,459 one of the biggest events of its kind. 471 00:29:17,000 --> 00:29:21,119 They're coming in to look to buy opals, so this week's very important to us. 472 00:29:21,160 --> 00:29:23,159 Basically, there's a lot riding on it. 473 00:29:24,280 --> 00:29:27,419 Kelly and Al are low on cash 474 00:29:27,460 --> 00:29:30,439 and can't drill until the claim dries out. 475 00:29:33,340 --> 00:29:37,279 Kelly's hoping her emergency fund will have something to offer. 476 00:29:37,320 --> 00:29:41,079 I need to try and yield as much out of here as I can. 477 00:29:41,120 --> 00:29:44,159 One stone is all it takes. 478 00:29:44,200 --> 00:29:48,119 Ooh, that one. You beauty. This is gonna save us. 479 00:29:50,320 --> 00:29:53,019 Rubbing away the encrusted sand 480 00:29:53,060 --> 00:29:56,039 will reveal if it's worth big dollars 481 00:29:56,080 --> 00:29:58,199 or petty cash. 482 00:29:58,240 --> 00:30:01,459 If this has got sand and dives in... 483 00:30:08,320 --> 00:30:11,999 So, there's a big sand hole. It's got problems. 484 00:30:12,040 --> 00:30:14,039 Shit. I got nothin'. 485 00:30:15,120 --> 00:30:18,239 Oh... Make you cry. 486 00:30:20,260 --> 00:30:22,339 If they don't sell something soon, 487 00:30:22,380 --> 00:30:26,099 Kelly and Al's drilling programme could run out of money 488 00:30:26,140 --> 00:30:28,139 before their lease expires. 489 00:30:28,180 --> 00:30:32,139 How are you?Good. What's going on? Not much.Right.What's happening? 490 00:30:32,180 --> 00:30:34,299 I've been down to the festival this morning.Mm. 491 00:30:34,340 --> 00:30:38,259 There's a heap of buyers in.Yeah. Maybe we can flog those stones.Yep. 492 00:30:38,420 --> 00:30:43,099 For 20 years, Al's been holding on to two precious gems, 493 00:30:43,140 --> 00:30:45,139 waiting for the right moment to sell. 494 00:30:45,180 --> 00:30:48,999 A couple of big fish in.Just some money in the bank would be good. 495 00:30:49,040 --> 00:30:51,139 But I'm not gonna give them away. 496 00:30:51,180 --> 00:30:55,299 I don't sell opal. I give it to my daughter, who sells it for me, 497 00:30:55,340 --> 00:30:58,399 and I'm happy with that, because I don't have to deal with some guy 498 00:30:58,440 --> 00:31:01,299 coming along and telling me that it's a piece of . 499 00:31:01,340 --> 00:31:03,399 That irks me...somewhat. 500 00:31:05,020 --> 00:31:08,479 But for Kelly, Al's old stones could be a hard sell. 501 00:31:09,020 --> 00:31:11,239 You had them for...Quite a few years.Yes. 502 00:31:11,280 --> 00:31:13,459 The last couple of guys I've seen, 503 00:31:14,000 --> 00:31:16,459 first comment was, "Oh, you still got these?" 504 00:31:17,000 --> 00:31:19,099 There's not much gem-quality opal around. 505 00:31:19,140 --> 00:31:23,119 When the big fellas come in, these other guys are sitting on good stones as well, 506 00:31:23,160 --> 00:31:25,279 so you do have a bit of competition there. 507 00:31:25,320 --> 00:31:28,379 Time to put a price to Al's precious booty. 508 00:31:28,420 --> 00:31:31,159 I just want you to have a look at the stones again. 509 00:31:32,220 --> 00:31:36,139 Where'd I put your stones? Where's the dog? 510 00:31:36,180 --> 00:31:38,359 Manny has an unusual habit... 511 00:31:38,400 --> 00:31:42,159 He's a bit of a rock eater. He loves to pick up... He eats rocks. 512 00:31:42,200 --> 00:31:44,099 ..which could turn expensive. 513 00:31:44,140 --> 00:31:47,439 I'm serious. Where's the dog? The dog's in the kennel. 514 00:31:47,480 --> 00:31:50,079 You'll be following him around with a shovel. 515 00:31:50,120 --> 00:31:52,399 Going through his bloody shit for a week. 516 00:31:52,440 --> 00:31:54,439 Come on over here. 517 00:31:54,480 --> 00:31:57,439 They're here somewhere, Dad. I know they are. There they are. 518 00:31:57,480 --> 00:32:01,119 No gloves needed.The dog lives another day. 519 00:32:01,160 --> 00:32:03,319 All right, Al, so what did we come to? 520 00:32:08,040 --> 00:32:10,039 Six.Take five. 521 00:32:10,080 --> 00:32:12,019 $5,000 for one stone. 522 00:32:12,060 --> 00:32:14,059 And that one take um... 523 00:32:14,280 --> 00:32:17,139 Should be worth 24, but it's not. 524 00:32:17,180 --> 00:32:20,359 And... 16. 525 00:32:20,400 --> 00:32:23,159 $16,000 for another. 526 00:32:23,200 --> 00:32:25,419 If Al and Kelly can pull off this deal, 527 00:32:25,460 --> 00:32:29,319 they'll have enough cash to finish their drilling...and then some. 528 00:32:29,360 --> 00:32:32,219 If I can go a little bit harder and a little bit longer. 529 00:32:44,480 --> 00:32:49,439 At Shell Patch, it's been a disappointing morning for Dan and Justin. 530 00:32:49,480 --> 00:32:52,319 Time to regroup... Hey, hand us your Frisbee? 531 00:32:53,320 --> 00:32:57,139 Hey, hey! ..and face the wall again. 532 00:32:59,220 --> 00:33:02,319 As mentor John prepares to scrape away more rock, 533 00:33:04,240 --> 00:33:06,139 Justin spots a sign. 534 00:33:06,180 --> 00:33:11,019 Look at the thickness of these stones. We can't dig it. Look at those. We can't dig it. 535 00:33:11,440 --> 00:33:16,039 Stop Johnny. Look at them. Proper crystal. Clean. 536 00:33:16,080 --> 00:33:19,079 Justin's worried that the blunt instrument of the excavator 537 00:33:19,120 --> 00:33:21,219 could destroy this precious pocket. 538 00:33:21,260 --> 00:33:24,399 He's good at operating the machine, but I don't wanna lose this spot 539 00:33:24,440 --> 00:33:27,099 because it's so hard once the face comes off, 540 00:33:27,140 --> 00:33:29,179 you don't know where exactly you're working. 541 00:33:29,220 --> 00:33:31,399 We're getting onto opal here. It's happening. 542 00:33:31,440 --> 00:33:36,159 So, we gotta make the most of this. Wow. This is beautiful. 543 00:33:36,200 --> 00:33:39,399 This can finally make our trip. We gotta run, can't hold Johnny up. 544 00:33:39,440 --> 00:33:43,119 The boys can't afford to turn down John's offer to dig. 545 00:33:44,120 --> 00:33:45,379 Have a look at those. 546 00:33:45,420 --> 00:33:48,079 They scramble to clean out the opal. 547 00:33:50,000 --> 00:33:52,159 There's a few in there. Let's go. All right. 548 00:33:52,200 --> 00:33:55,079 Finally, the excavator is unleashed. 549 00:33:58,100 --> 00:34:00,199 Can I have a quick look? 550 00:34:06,120 --> 00:34:09,079 What have we got here? Opal.Is there more?Yeah, look at that. 551 00:34:09,120 --> 00:34:11,119 Look at that.Yeah. 552 00:34:12,000 --> 00:34:13,999 Look at the size of these pieces. 553 00:34:14,460 --> 00:34:17,379 Nice. It's all getting bigger. 554 00:34:21,280 --> 00:34:24,159 Oh, yes.Look at that.Yeah. 555 00:34:24,200 --> 00:34:26,199 That's a decent piece. 556 00:34:26,240 --> 00:34:29,059 That's the size you want. I'm a bit tired, eh? 557 00:34:29,100 --> 00:34:31,179 After a jubilant three hours... 558 00:34:31,220 --> 00:34:33,479 Legend. Good job today.Well done, too. 559 00:34:34,020 --> 00:34:37,479 ..the Rookies are confident they've uncovered a small fortune. 560 00:34:38,020 --> 00:34:41,079 They ask John to cast his expert eye. 561 00:34:42,100 --> 00:34:44,219 So, John, what do you think this would be worth? 562 00:34:44,260 --> 00:34:47,099 There's a few nice, bigger stones. 563 00:34:47,140 --> 00:34:50,439 This is the skinny material. There's not a lot of thickness to it. 564 00:34:51,400 --> 00:34:54,239 I reckon you probably got about 1,000 bucks there. 565 00:34:55,260 --> 00:34:57,359 I would have thought more. Is that it? 566 00:34:57,400 --> 00:35:01,479 Well, it's skinny material. It just needs to make a pocket. 567 00:35:04,120 --> 00:35:06,339 So, you're gonna have to pull your finger out, boys. 568 00:35:10,220 --> 00:35:12,439 Johnny's estimate put a damper on it for me. 569 00:35:12,480 --> 00:35:15,299 There's a couple of pieces there that we can polish up, 570 00:35:15,340 --> 00:35:21,019 and we should be able to turn our first day's result into $3,000. 571 00:35:22,060 --> 00:35:27,099 Desperate to chip away at their season's target of $100,000, 572 00:35:27,140 --> 00:35:29,139 it's off to the man with the money... 573 00:35:29,180 --> 00:35:31,179 Hey, how are we?How are going? Good. 574 00:35:31,220 --> 00:35:33,399 ..gem dealer Nick Troisi. Come in. 575 00:35:35,040 --> 00:35:37,159 So, it's about five-and-a-half ounces. 576 00:35:37,200 --> 00:35:41,059 It's not a lot, but, you know, the colour's nice, so... 577 00:35:41,100 --> 00:35:43,379 The colour is nice. Erm... 578 00:35:47,380 --> 00:35:49,379 Fairly clean, too. Erm... 579 00:35:53,060 --> 00:35:55,059 750. 580 00:35:56,340 --> 00:36:00,159 It's not a lot, we know that, but we're thinking 1,250, maybe. 581 00:36:00,200 --> 00:36:04,079 Just to cover these costs we've got.Mm. 582 00:36:04,120 --> 00:36:07,379 All right, look, let's not muck around, erm... 583 00:36:10,140 --> 00:36:12,419 I'll go up to 1,000. 584 00:36:12,460 --> 00:36:15,299 I can't really go too much more. 585 00:36:15,340 --> 00:36:18,099 There's a lot of work in it. 586 00:36:18,140 --> 00:36:21,139 So, you wanna do it? Let's do it. 587 00:36:23,300 --> 00:36:25,339 Hopefully, this helps you to find some more. 588 00:36:25,380 --> 00:36:27,459 It will, and we'll be back before you know it. 589 00:36:28,000 --> 00:36:29,999 Cheers, Nick.Thanks.Good luck. 590 00:36:30,040 --> 00:36:33,999 It's a brave face to a disappointing day. 591 00:36:34,040 --> 00:36:37,399 A thousand bucks is a thousand bucks. It's not what we hoped for. 592 00:36:37,440 --> 00:36:40,259 When your hands are aching, your arms are aching, 593 00:36:40,300 --> 00:36:45,019 your shoulders are aching, your back's aching - very deflating. 594 00:36:45,060 --> 00:36:47,419 With a target of $100,000, 595 00:36:47,460 --> 00:36:52,079 today's meagre haul of $1,000 almost gets them halfway. 596 00:36:53,360 --> 00:36:57,379 Dan and Justin are learning that the road to riches 597 00:36:57,420 --> 00:37:01,419 is paved with good luck and hard graft. 598 00:37:03,020 --> 00:37:07,199 You just gotta dig more, move more dirt. 599 00:37:07,240 --> 00:37:09,239 That's just the way it is. 600 00:37:17,020 --> 00:37:20,219 In Lightning Ridge, there's a buying frenzy 601 00:37:20,260 --> 00:37:22,419 at the town's annual opal festival. 602 00:37:22,460 --> 00:37:24,459 There's a bit of a whisper around 603 00:37:25,000 --> 00:37:27,999 that a couple of these guys might be looking for quality stones. 604 00:37:28,040 --> 00:37:30,159 To keep their drilling operation alive, 605 00:37:30,200 --> 00:37:34,239 Al's agreed to offer two of his most cherished gems to a buyer. 606 00:37:34,280 --> 00:37:37,199 I've had 'em for quite some time. They really are beautiful, 607 00:37:37,240 --> 00:37:39,439 there's no doubt about them. A successful sale 608 00:37:39,480 --> 00:37:44,199 would make a big contribution to their target of $20,000. 609 00:37:44,240 --> 00:37:46,239 Just some money in the bank would be good 610 00:37:46,280 --> 00:37:50,379 in case of a breakdown or something happens, you know? 611 00:37:56,000 --> 00:38:00,279 Opal dealer Anthony Melanis has bought opal from Kelly before. 612 00:38:00,320 --> 00:38:04,039 How are you, mate?How's it going, Al?Good. Yourself?Good, mate, good. 613 00:38:04,080 --> 00:38:06,459 But he's only interested in the bigger stone. 614 00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:10,439 It's black opal, the most valuable opal in the world. 615 00:38:10,480 --> 00:38:16,059 It's red-blue in colour, polished, and weighs six carats. 616 00:38:16,100 --> 00:38:19,199 Sixteen grand on that, that's six carats. 617 00:38:19,240 --> 00:38:22,399 OK. Doesn't look very good in the sunlight. 618 00:38:22,440 --> 00:38:25,219 Don't tell me something's wrong with the bloody thing. 619 00:38:25,260 --> 00:38:27,479 That's what it is, mate. Do you want it or don't you? 620 00:38:35,320 --> 00:38:37,459 All right, what's your best price, Al? 621 00:38:38,000 --> 00:38:42,099 Give it to me right now. Because you're a friend, cash. 622 00:38:42,140 --> 00:38:44,139 Fifteen.Fifteen. 623 00:38:46,280 --> 00:38:51,119 Well, it's got movement, you know? It's got a depth to it. 624 00:38:52,200 --> 00:38:54,259 It's very hard to find in an opal. 625 00:38:58,020 --> 00:39:01,219 In fact, I'm gonna buy it. 626 00:39:04,380 --> 00:39:06,379 Cash, was it?Cash. 627 00:39:09,120 --> 00:39:11,999 Here you go.I won't even count it. 628 00:39:12,040 --> 00:39:16,039 And I'll trust you. If there's 50 bucks missing though, I'll be back. 629 00:39:16,080 --> 00:39:18,259 It's all good. 630 00:39:18,300 --> 00:39:20,299 Thank you, sir.Good doing business. 631 00:39:20,340 --> 00:39:22,399 Same to you.All right.Not a problem. 632 00:39:22,440 --> 00:39:25,439 Go out and find some more. Yep.And give me a call. 633 00:39:26,440 --> 00:39:29,439 That's a big sale. It takes a little bit of the pressure off. 634 00:39:29,480 --> 00:39:32,159 A little bit of spending cash, yeah. 635 00:39:32,200 --> 00:39:36,279 With a target of 20,000 to cover their exploration costs, 636 00:39:36,320 --> 00:39:40,119 this $15,000 sale gets them close. 637 00:39:40,160 --> 00:39:44,199 And they still have 18 days left on their lease to hit the jackpot. 638 00:39:44,240 --> 00:39:45,999 All correct?Yep. 639 00:39:46,240 --> 00:39:48,379 I'd still prefer it if it was on my neck. 640 00:39:48,420 --> 00:39:51,239 What happened there, Dad? 641 00:39:51,280 --> 00:39:54,179 Where's the daughter's inheritance? Gone. 642 00:39:54,220 --> 00:39:56,179 Down the hole. That was it. Just gone. 643 00:39:56,440 --> 00:40:00,139 For dad and daughter, it's back to the hunt. 644 00:40:13,180 --> 00:40:16,099 Col's Crew are making solid progress... 645 00:40:16,140 --> 00:40:18,139 Drill it.First hole. 646 00:40:18,180 --> 00:40:21,479 ..on their first attempt with their dangerous new drill rig. 647 00:40:24,180 --> 00:40:26,179 I'm really impressed. 648 00:40:28,280 --> 00:40:31,079 We're just onto the sandstone now. 649 00:40:31,120 --> 00:40:35,119 It'll be about 30-40ft of sandstone and then we'll hit something. 650 00:40:35,160 --> 00:40:37,359 Col has high hopes for this hole. 651 00:40:39,280 --> 00:40:42,379 Big boulders lying on top of the sandstone, which is good. 652 00:40:43,200 --> 00:40:47,159 This is his final chance to find opal for at least a month. 653 00:40:47,200 --> 00:40:50,319 Tomorrow, he must leave for more surgery on his cancer. 654 00:40:50,360 --> 00:40:52,999 It's a shame it's my last day 655 00:40:53,040 --> 00:40:56,079 But just as Rookie drillers, Aaron and Greg... 656 00:40:56,120 --> 00:40:58,319 All good, mate, all good. That's beautiful. 657 00:40:58,360 --> 00:41:00,359 ..start finding their rhythm... 658 00:41:05,440 --> 00:41:08,299 Keep your brake on.OK. 659 00:41:09,100 --> 00:41:13,199 This here... Does that need adjusting or... 660 00:41:13,240 --> 00:41:16,479 It shouldn't. Have they got an adjustment on 'em? 661 00:41:17,020 --> 00:41:20,039 No, it felt like the clutch slipped, eh?And it did. 662 00:41:20,080 --> 00:41:21,479 The clutch has gone. 663 00:41:22,020 --> 00:41:24,019 Might be...Burning her out. 664 00:41:24,280 --> 00:41:27,439 Without it, Aaron can't raise or lower the drill. 665 00:41:29,420 --> 00:41:32,059 I had that clutch on then and then it was still... 666 00:41:32,100 --> 00:41:34,439 Yeah.I had to use the brake.I saw ya. 667 00:41:34,480 --> 00:41:37,439 Where do we adjust this? A little bit of adjustment. 668 00:41:37,480 --> 00:41:40,299 It just let go on me then. It's sort of half-biting, 669 00:41:40,340 --> 00:41:44,219 so with a bit of luck we can adjust it and finish the hole tomorrow. 670 00:41:44,260 --> 00:41:48,039 Until it's fixed, the crew have to call it quits. 671 00:41:48,080 --> 00:41:51,179 All right, mate, I'm off.Thanks again, Gil.Catch yous later. 672 00:41:51,220 --> 00:41:54,219 We got any problems, we'll come and find you. 673 00:41:59,020 --> 00:42:01,119 For Col, it's a disappointing way 674 00:42:01,160 --> 00:42:03,159 to end a promising run of luck. 675 00:42:04,480 --> 00:42:07,239 Their target is $20,000, 676 00:42:07,280 --> 00:42:11,179 but their tally of $5,100 hasn't budged, 677 00:42:11,220 --> 00:42:14,039 leaving them still far short. 678 00:42:15,300 --> 00:42:20,359 But it all pales in comparison to what Col must face tomorrow. 679 00:42:20,400 --> 00:42:22,399 A bit apprehensive. 680 00:42:23,180 --> 00:42:25,179 I remember what happened last time. 681 00:42:26,020 --> 00:42:29,199 It hurt...for about two months. 682 00:42:30,360 --> 00:42:32,359 But you just gotta do it, eh? 683 00:42:35,160 --> 00:42:38,219 If it wasn't good all the time, you wouldn't appreciate it. 684 00:42:38,260 --> 00:42:41,279 So, we just gotta take it as it comes, the good and the bad. 685 00:42:44,020 --> 00:42:47,299 You'll be all right.Is there anything you need done while you're away, Col? 686 00:42:47,340 --> 00:42:50,219 Yeah, mate, my little mate here. I've gotta leave him here. 687 00:42:50,260 --> 00:42:53,339 I've got heaps of tucker for him. Yeah, he'll be all right. 688 00:42:53,380 --> 00:42:55,059 Good times... 689 00:42:55,100 --> 00:42:57,239 I'll take your picture. 690 00:42:57,280 --> 00:42:58,459 ..and good mates. 691 00:42:59,000 --> 00:43:00,139 Be good, mate. 692 00:43:00,180 --> 00:43:02,179 For these three opal hunters, 693 00:43:03,440 --> 00:43:06,039 it's what life is all about. 694 00:43:08,120 --> 00:43:11,099 But Col's next journey 695 00:43:11,140 --> 00:43:13,479 is one he must take alone. 696 00:43:14,020 --> 00:43:16,479 subtitles by Deluxe E-mail sky.subtitles@sky.uk 696 00:43:17,305 --> 00:44:17,297