"Outback Opal Hunters" Episode 4

1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:02,879 . 2 00:00:02,960 --> 00:00:05,399 On Outback Opal Hunters... 3 00:00:05,480 --> 00:00:07,679 new team the Tunnel Rats... 4 00:00:07,760 --> 00:00:10,679 If we don't find opal, we're absolutely screwed. 5 00:00:10,760 --> 00:00:13,359 ..face eviction from their mine and town... 6 00:00:13,440 --> 00:00:15,919 My life is up there in that camp. 7 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:18,519 ..in a race to get out before it's too late. 8 00:00:18,600 --> 00:00:21,679 The opal doesn't want to be found. It wants to kill you. 9 00:00:21,760 --> 00:00:23,759 Apprentice Sam... 10 00:00:23,840 --> 00:00:25,919 Just be careful. Don't trip. 11 00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:28,799 ..risks life and limb in a new shaft... 12 00:00:28,880 --> 00:00:31,399 Pete! No air. It's too hot. 13 00:00:31,480 --> 00:00:33,359 ..and Col Duff is back... 14 00:00:33,440 --> 00:00:35,599 Only got so many hours in the day. 15 00:00:35,680 --> 00:00:39,599 ..searching for long-lost opal, braving the Outback alone. 16 00:00:41,000 --> 00:00:47,074 17 00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:05,039 Mintabie, South Australia. 18 00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:09,079 Over 450 kilometres from the nearest city. 19 00:01:09,160 --> 00:01:12,359 Population? Just 30. 20 00:01:12,440 --> 00:01:15,879 One of the most isolated opal fields in the world. 21 00:01:17,120 --> 00:01:21,519 Temperatures in the desolate town can hit over 50 degrees Centigrade. 22 00:01:23,240 --> 00:01:27,399 Since the 1920s, the hostile landscape has been famous 23 00:01:27,480 --> 00:01:32,039 for its unique Mintabie crystal opal, highly prized. 24 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:38,799 The world is screaming out for me to be opal. 25 00:01:38,880 --> 00:01:42,639 The most rare is that really nice black crystal on a black base. 26 00:01:42,720 --> 00:01:45,479 That's incredible opal. 27 00:01:45,560 --> 00:01:48,439 Big money, I'm talking $18 million, $20 million, 28 00:01:48,520 --> 00:01:51,639 $30 million parcels. 29 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:55,159 If that hit you, you'd be dead. 30 00:01:55,240 --> 00:02:01,079 Bayden Pearse and Dad Rodney have been hunting opal in Mintabie for over 20 years, 31 00:02:01,840 --> 00:02:03,839 chasing the jackpot. 32 00:02:03,920 --> 00:02:08,399 Well, he's my flesh and blood and and we work very well together. 33 00:02:08,480 --> 00:02:11,319 I respect him as a dad, but also as a mate, as well. 34 00:02:11,400 --> 00:02:13,199 I look up to him. 35 00:02:13,280 --> 00:02:15,399 This is where I was telling you about. 36 00:02:15,480 --> 00:02:20,479 Bayden's partner, Elisa Grobe has recently joined the team. 37 00:02:20,560 --> 00:02:23,199 I'm a newb, I'm a greenhorn in the opal world. 38 00:02:23,280 --> 00:02:27,679 Yeah, I'm gonna go make some bombs. Give me a hand? Yeah. OK. Cool. 39 00:02:27,760 --> 00:02:32,399 Bayden has been using explosives since he was 13. 40 00:02:32,480 --> 00:02:38,359 After school, Dad would come and pick me up and take me to the mine. My first job was to make bombs. 41 00:02:41,240 --> 00:02:46,959 Blasting through hard rock is a quicker way to mine, but it comes with high risks. 42 00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:53,479 Working with explosives, anything can happen at any time. 43 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:56,199 Got to make sure that it doesn't blow up in your face. 44 00:02:56,280 --> 00:02:59,199 Ohh! Firing complete. 45 00:02:59,280 --> 00:03:02,879 It would just absolutely tear you to bits, won't be much left of you. 46 00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:13,599 High on a hill, overlooking the Mintabie township, is the Tunnel Rats' camp. 47 00:03:13,680 --> 00:03:18,239 I've been here over 20...over 23 years, something like that now. 48 00:03:18,320 --> 00:03:21,079 Very remote! 49 00:03:21,160 --> 00:03:25,079 12 hours north of Adelaide and five hours to Alice Springs. 50 00:03:26,160 --> 00:03:28,159 You've got to supply your own power. 51 00:03:28,240 --> 00:03:31,399 So, solar batteries underneath our cover. 52 00:03:31,480 --> 00:03:33,679 That'll take us through the night. 53 00:03:33,760 --> 00:03:36,119 You don't get good quality food. 54 00:03:36,200 --> 00:03:39,999 You know, if a lettuce comes up, the leaves are brown. 55 00:03:40,080 --> 00:03:45,559 You haven't got a great variety of tucker. Peas and beans in cans. 56 00:03:45,640 --> 00:03:48,639 We grow tomatoes. You can see it's battling a bit, 57 00:03:48,720 --> 00:03:50,719 but there's fruit on it. 58 00:03:50,800 --> 00:03:52,879 So... That's our freshest fruit! 59 00:03:56,480 --> 00:03:59,599 But there's a shadow hanging over this family of miners. 60 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:04,999 And over the whole of Mintabie. 61 00:04:05,080 --> 00:04:09,799 The town and the mining area is soon to be shut down. 62 00:04:09,880 --> 00:04:14,199 We're gonna be getting shut down immediately? It's not - You don't work here. 63 00:04:14,280 --> 00:04:17,039 I can't afford to shift. I can't get out of here. 64 00:04:17,120 --> 00:04:18,919 This is the problem. 65 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:21,079 I'm not pretending that that's easy. 66 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:25,519 We just heard today that we have three months before we have to leave. 67 00:04:27,400 --> 00:04:32,359 The government has decided to revoke all mining leases in Mintabie 68 00:04:32,440 --> 00:04:36,039 and hand the land back to its indigenous owners. 69 00:04:36,120 --> 00:04:38,679 For the opal miners and the townspeople, 70 00:04:38,760 --> 00:04:40,759 they stand to lose everything. 71 00:04:40,840 --> 00:04:43,079 My life is up there in that camp. 72 00:04:43,160 --> 00:04:46,599 And everything that I own is in that... 73 00:04:51,440 --> 00:04:57,159 Having a deadline and not knowing where or what's going to happen is quite scary for us. 74 00:04:58,800 --> 00:05:01,559 My worst fear is definitely Dad being homeless. 75 00:05:03,320 --> 00:05:08,719 And me not being able to support Dad any more, because I don't know what I'm going to do, either. 76 00:05:08,800 --> 00:05:10,799 For 17 years, 77 00:05:10,880 --> 00:05:13,559 Bayden and Rodney have invested heavily 78 00:05:13,640 --> 00:05:17,399 in their 200m by 100m Grasshopper mine, 79 00:05:17,480 --> 00:05:19,479 with little return. 80 00:05:20,880 --> 00:05:23,159 We haven't found anything for years. 81 00:05:24,240 --> 00:05:25,839 Realistically, 82 00:05:25,920 --> 00:05:28,959 we haven't found anything more than $40,000, 83 00:05:29,040 --> 00:05:31,439 in our whole mining career up here. 84 00:05:32,760 --> 00:05:36,639 I farmed in Donald, in Central Victoria, for all my life. 85 00:05:36,720 --> 00:05:38,719 I sold the family farm 86 00:05:38,800 --> 00:05:41,399 and I came up here to try to find it rich. 87 00:05:42,800 --> 00:05:44,959 When I came here, 88 00:05:45,040 --> 00:05:49,599 I put $500,000 into the ground and there's not much left. 89 00:05:54,280 --> 00:05:56,639 I want a bit of payback. 90 00:05:57,760 --> 00:06:01,199 I haven't got the money to shift my camp. 91 00:06:01,280 --> 00:06:04,759 It's all the cost of moving your machinery. 92 00:06:04,840 --> 00:06:07,199 It's... It's just not that easy. 93 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:10,719 We've all got to get out of here. 94 00:06:10,800 --> 00:06:14,039 If I've got no money to get out, well, I don't know where I'm gonna go 95 00:06:14,120 --> 00:06:16,439 and how I can afford to shift. 96 00:06:16,520 --> 00:06:19,159 Opal is the only way out. 97 00:06:19,240 --> 00:06:22,759 The team have just three months to make enough money 98 00:06:22,840 --> 00:06:27,479 to move their entire operation to a new opal town. 99 00:06:27,560 --> 00:06:32,119 What they can't afford to move, they'll be forced to abandon. 100 00:06:33,320 --> 00:06:38,599 We really need to find it big and find it fast, because we're running out of time. 101 00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:41,799 If I don't get at least $200,000, 102 00:06:41,880 --> 00:06:46,399 I'm stuffed, Dad's stuffed, we're screwed, we've got nowhere to go. 103 00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:49,959 A lot to think about. I'm gonna need your help, if you're willing to help me. 104 00:06:50,040 --> 00:06:52,479 Of course I am. You know that. I love you. 105 00:06:52,560 --> 00:06:55,559 We've only got three months, so this is our last shot. 106 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:06,679 Yee-haw! 107 00:07:06,760 --> 00:07:09,119 Gonna go and find some opal. 108 00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:11,039 Col Duff. 109 00:07:11,120 --> 00:07:15,039 Prospector. Opal miner. 110 00:07:15,120 --> 00:07:17,279 Cutter. 111 00:07:17,360 --> 00:07:20,719 If I get the cutting right, well, that's the best money. 112 00:07:20,800 --> 00:07:27,759 For 30 years, this veteran of the Queensland opal fields has had a passion for the queen of gems. 113 00:07:27,840 --> 00:07:31,239 Just that thrill of the hunt, that adventurous spirit, I love it. 114 00:07:32,360 --> 00:07:35,599 Using a combination of cutting-edge technology... 115 00:07:38,680 --> 00:07:41,679 ..and historical research... 116 00:07:45,320 --> 00:07:48,919 We're just having a look at the old history archives. 117 00:07:51,120 --> 00:07:54,599 Col's specialty is tracking down long-abandoned mines 118 00:07:54,680 --> 00:07:57,079 and unearthing long-forgotten treasures 119 00:07:57,160 --> 00:08:02,039 missed by the old-time miners during the first opal rush of 1888. 120 00:08:02,120 --> 00:08:05,519 This is part of The Mining Journal of 1902. 121 00:08:05,600 --> 00:08:10,959 To mount his opal-hunting expedition, Col is scouring the records. 122 00:08:11,040 --> 00:08:12,719 This will help us, you know, 123 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:16,719 maybe find some old places that no-one has been to for a long time. 124 00:08:16,800 --> 00:08:19,239 Everything they've done tells a story. 125 00:08:19,320 --> 00:08:23,719 We can utilise their work to help us find places. 126 00:08:23,800 --> 00:08:25,599 A number of Opalton miners 127 00:08:25,680 --> 00:08:29,719 recently determined to examine the country to the south of Opalton, 128 00:08:29,800 --> 00:08:34,679 where they intend to work in the vicinity of Horse Creek and Hyde Park Creek. 129 00:08:34,760 --> 00:08:37,519 I think we've got enough to go and have a look. 130 00:08:38,600 --> 00:08:43,759 Horse Creek is a long-lost mining camp, abandoned over 100 years ago. 131 00:08:43,840 --> 00:08:48,359 Col is hoping it will lead to opal the old-timers left behind. 132 00:08:48,440 --> 00:08:51,639 In those days, only the best was worth something. 133 00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:56,479 They threw away all the matrix and pancakes and boulders. 134 00:08:56,560 --> 00:09:00,359 So, sometimes, we find beautiful blue-green pipes 135 00:09:00,440 --> 00:09:02,719 that they've discarded. 136 00:09:02,800 --> 00:09:06,079 My season target this year is about... 137 00:09:06,160 --> 00:09:08,879 Yeah, if I can't come up with ten grand, 138 00:09:08,960 --> 00:09:11,479 I'm gonna start getting hungry. 139 00:09:11,560 --> 00:09:16,079 But over the past few years, fate has dealt Col a cruel hand. 140 00:09:16,160 --> 00:09:18,079 Cancer... 141 00:09:20,040 --> 00:09:23,359 ..and, most recently, Barmah Forest fever. 142 00:09:24,440 --> 00:09:29,599 His battles with ill health have kept him off the opal fields for months at a time, 143 00:09:29,680 --> 00:09:35,279 costing him a share of an $80,000 find by former partners Aaron and Greg. 144 00:09:35,360 --> 00:09:37,839 Now that is opal, mate. 145 00:09:37,920 --> 00:09:42,199 There's lots of work to do and time is running out. 146 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:46,839 This season has begun with yet more chilling news. 147 00:09:46,920 --> 00:09:51,159 I've just come to Longreach to get a MRI scan on my chest. 148 00:09:51,240 --> 00:09:56,319 They found a couple of little lumps or nodes on the top of my lungs. 149 00:09:56,400 --> 00:09:57,999 That gave me a bit of a fright. 150 00:09:58,080 --> 00:10:00,839 A bit on edge until I do get the results. 151 00:10:00,920 --> 00:10:05,359 I'd better go and put my mind on finding something interesting. 152 00:10:06,640 --> 00:10:12,439 Col's girlfriend, Peta, and her two daughters have supported Col in his hours of need. 153 00:10:12,520 --> 00:10:14,799 Now he wants to support them. 154 00:10:14,880 --> 00:10:20,919 'When it comes down to kids and families and relationships and that your priorities change. 155 00:10:21,000 --> 00:10:25,559 I'll just use that as motivation to work harder, try harder.' 156 00:10:25,640 --> 00:10:31,239 So, my priority now is...go and find some opal and get on top of things. 157 00:10:31,320 --> 00:10:33,239 Good, mate. 158 00:10:34,880 --> 00:10:38,959 Col heads for the vast emptiness of the Australian Outback, 159 00:10:39,040 --> 00:10:42,759 with only his faithful companion, Finn McCool, for company. 160 00:10:46,080 --> 00:10:49,079 A big strip of country that we're looking at. 161 00:10:49,160 --> 00:10:52,919 There might be a couple of different ways to get into it. 162 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:57,999 And a couple of different ways that you've got no hope, because something is in the way. 163 00:11:06,120 --> 00:11:10,839 25 kilometres north of Lightning Ridge, New South Wales... 164 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:12,519 All good? 165 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:14,599 All good. Swing it round. 166 00:11:14,680 --> 00:11:20,279 Experienced miner Pete Cooke and apprentice partner 20-year-old Sam Westra 167 00:11:20,360 --> 00:11:23,599 are preparing their Allawah claim. 168 00:11:23,680 --> 00:11:27,359 To actually set up and get started is never an easy thing. 169 00:11:27,440 --> 00:11:29,119 I've seen worse. 170 00:11:29,200 --> 00:11:31,039 Seen worse. 171 00:11:31,120 --> 00:11:34,479 Oh, it should be all right. Shouldn't fall over in the wind. 172 00:11:34,560 --> 00:11:36,919 Let's hope not! 173 00:11:40,920 --> 00:11:42,679 Houston, we've got a problem. 174 00:11:42,760 --> 00:11:44,839 Beset by equipment breakdowns... 175 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:46,679 That's jammed. It's not right. 176 00:11:46,760 --> 00:11:50,399 ..Pete and Sam have had a poor start to the season. 177 00:11:50,480 --> 00:11:52,839 Can't afford to be sitting around. 178 00:11:52,920 --> 00:11:55,319 Every dollar is important to Sam. 179 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:57,999 So it's important that we find some opal. 180 00:11:58,080 --> 00:12:02,799 If I don't find any opal, you know, I'm not going anywhere. 181 00:12:02,880 --> 00:12:04,319 How are you, Dad? 182 00:12:04,400 --> 00:12:06,399 This it, mate? This is it. 183 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:09,239 It's only Sam's second season of opal hunting... 184 00:12:09,320 --> 00:12:10,919 What a life. 185 00:12:11,000 --> 00:12:14,359 ..and he wants to prove to his dad he can make a career of it. 186 00:12:14,440 --> 00:12:16,839 What happens if you find no opals? 187 00:12:16,920 --> 00:12:19,919 I've got no doubt about it, we'll find some. 188 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:23,039 How long it takes, I can't tell you that! But... 189 00:12:23,120 --> 00:12:25,519 people will go ten years without 190 00:12:25,600 --> 00:12:27,599 and then find millions. 191 00:12:27,680 --> 00:12:31,079 Well, true and some are here for a long time and never find anything. 192 00:12:32,840 --> 00:12:36,039 Well, I've been mining with Pete for just over a year now 193 00:12:36,120 --> 00:12:37,919 and we haven't found much at all. 194 00:12:38,000 --> 00:12:40,999 You know? Just barely enough to cover the fuel costs, 195 00:12:41,080 --> 00:12:43,759 so we really need something to turn our way. 196 00:12:43,840 --> 00:12:47,719 The opal they're hunting and Lightning Ridge is famous for 197 00:12:47,800 --> 00:12:52,039 is black opal, the most valuable opal on the planet. 198 00:12:55,240 --> 00:12:58,439 It's worth over 500 times more than gold. 199 00:12:58,520 --> 00:13:00,999 I get up every day, out of bed, hoping, 200 00:13:01,080 --> 00:13:03,999 hoping to go underground and see big money. 201 00:13:06,280 --> 00:13:10,119 We've got a claim at Allawah that's showing a bit of potential. 202 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:14,879 Pete has had the two belling-out machines out there. 203 00:13:16,000 --> 00:13:18,399 Once the shaft reaches the opal level, 204 00:13:18,480 --> 00:13:22,079 an area is then dug wide enough for machines to enter 205 00:13:22,160 --> 00:13:24,759 in a process called 'belling out'. 206 00:13:25,960 --> 00:13:30,599 In a new mine shaft, Pete and Sam have found traces of black opal. 207 00:13:30,680 --> 00:13:33,199 They've gone as far as they can with machines. 208 00:13:33,280 --> 00:13:35,919 Now they need to do the rest by hand. 209 00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:40,559 There's enough room for a bloke to get in, pull some dirt from there and have a look. 210 00:13:40,640 --> 00:13:45,439 The task of descending the one-metre-wide hole falls to rookie Sam. 211 00:13:45,520 --> 00:13:49,359 Sam hasn't done this sort of stuff before, so it's all new to him. 212 00:13:49,440 --> 00:13:51,439 Just be careful. Don't trip. 213 00:13:51,520 --> 00:13:54,319 Rock falls are one of his biggest hazards. 214 00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:56,399 At the bottom of a 20-metre shaft, 215 00:13:56,480 --> 00:14:01,039 a five-kilo rock will be travelling at over 70 kilometres per hour. 216 00:14:01,120 --> 00:14:04,119 A bit of an awkward place to be, down a mine hole, 217 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:07,119 not ever having done it before. 218 00:14:09,320 --> 00:14:10,959 Aah. Look out, Sam! 219 00:14:15,520 --> 00:14:17,519 What happened there? 220 00:14:23,960 --> 00:14:26,239 In a 140 metre tunnel... 221 00:14:27,320 --> 00:14:29,599 This is your feeding, feeding potch. 222 00:14:29,680 --> 00:14:35,439 ..the Tunnel Rats have pinned their hopes on one last promising spot to find opal. 223 00:14:35,520 --> 00:14:37,519 Further on, it will drop down. 224 00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:39,599 And it should... 225 00:14:40,600 --> 00:14:42,599 ..make opal for us. 226 00:14:44,680 --> 00:14:48,679 In three months' time, they'll lose their home and mine. 227 00:14:48,760 --> 00:14:53,479 But, recently, Bayden and dad Rodney lost a whole lot more. 228 00:14:55,360 --> 00:14:57,359 I lost my mom about four months ago. 229 00:15:00,520 --> 00:15:04,839 That was a long battle with cancer and cancer is a bit of a bitch. 230 00:15:06,920 --> 00:15:08,519 Come on. 231 00:15:10,320 --> 00:15:12,319 We had our moments, 232 00:15:12,400 --> 00:15:14,399 but we loved each other. 233 00:15:14,480 --> 00:15:18,959 And the best part about it is I had a big input in her life 234 00:15:19,040 --> 00:15:21,439 in the last year and a half 235 00:15:21,520 --> 00:15:23,519 before she...left. 236 00:15:24,840 --> 00:15:26,839 I've been through so much. 237 00:15:26,920 --> 00:15:30,759 But other people have been through a lot more than what I have. 238 00:15:33,520 --> 00:15:38,079 The Tunnel Rats are desperate to find $200,000 239 00:15:38,160 --> 00:15:40,159 to move their mining operation, 240 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:43,839 but for 17 years they've barely found anything at all. 241 00:15:45,720 --> 00:15:48,519 Well, we know that we're in a good area. 242 00:15:48,600 --> 00:15:54,119 There's been miners around us that have done very well at a mine in that particular area. 243 00:15:54,200 --> 00:15:56,199 So we're hoping that... 244 00:15:56,280 --> 00:15:58,279 it's going to be our luck soon. 245 00:15:58,360 --> 00:16:02,599 Probably just drill here. Blast it. And see what we've got. 246 00:16:04,440 --> 00:16:08,599 With the cash almost gone, they need to find opal soon. 247 00:16:10,440 --> 00:16:12,959 There's a tunnel in there. 248 00:16:13,040 --> 00:16:15,199 A what? A tunnel. Is there? 249 00:16:15,280 --> 00:16:19,839 It's a bad sign. They've broken through into a void behind the wall. 250 00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:22,239 We've gone through. Into what? 251 00:16:22,320 --> 00:16:27,359 Sometimes, when you're mining, you break into old tunnels from old miners. 252 00:16:27,440 --> 00:16:30,879 There is a big chance that someone has beaten us to it. 253 00:16:30,960 --> 00:16:33,559 It's happened many, many, many times before. 254 00:16:40,360 --> 00:16:42,359 Where is the opal, Finn? 255 00:16:42,440 --> 00:16:43,799 Where? Where? 256 00:16:43,880 --> 00:16:47,079 In the harsh, remote Queensland Outback, 257 00:16:47,160 --> 00:16:53,159 Col Duff is searching for a long lost mine, abandoned over a century ago. 258 00:16:53,240 --> 00:16:57,359 It's not the sort of place you want to get lost in. 259 00:16:57,440 --> 00:17:02,439 You've got to be prepared. If you don't, it's going to end in tragedy. 260 00:17:02,520 --> 00:17:07,079 After a three-hour drive, Col is in the right area, 261 00:17:07,160 --> 00:17:12,359 but wants to pinpoint the location of the mine site known as Horse Creek. 262 00:17:12,440 --> 00:17:17,439 This has really revolutionised prospecting and surveying. 263 00:17:19,280 --> 00:17:22,079 It's amazing what a bird's-eye view will show you. 264 00:17:22,160 --> 00:17:26,879 I'll take her up to about 100 metres and just see what it looks like. 265 00:17:29,120 --> 00:17:32,719 I can see some stuff. I can see the waterhole. 266 00:17:32,800 --> 00:17:37,559 Found what we're looking for. This is a good starting point. 267 00:17:37,640 --> 00:17:40,239 Over 100 years ago, Horse Creek 268 00:17:40,320 --> 00:17:43,799 was home to the pioneers of Australian opal mining. 269 00:17:43,880 --> 00:17:48,039 Today, it's nothing more than hot, dusty ruins, 270 00:17:48,120 --> 00:17:51,919 scattered with the remnants of its opal history. 271 00:17:52,000 --> 00:17:54,839 You can see here bits of boulder. 272 00:17:54,920 --> 00:17:57,759 They would have had someone cutting, probably. 273 00:17:57,840 --> 00:18:00,799 Definite evidence of the opal industry here. 274 00:18:02,400 --> 00:18:07,399 Col has just one day to explore the area and find traces of opal, 275 00:18:07,480 --> 00:18:12,719 before he must return to town to get the crucial results of his chest scan, 276 00:18:12,800 --> 00:18:15,799 revealing if his cancer has returned. 277 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:20,639 Only got so many hours in the day. And so many days in our lives. 278 00:18:20,720 --> 00:18:22,719 Better find some opal. 279 00:18:24,880 --> 00:18:27,999 We're not in a four-wheel-drive or on the motorbike, 280 00:18:28,080 --> 00:18:31,559 so I've just got to be careful or otherwise I might get stuck. 281 00:18:31,640 --> 00:18:34,719 This isn't a good place to get stuck by yourself. 282 00:18:42,480 --> 00:18:45,359 A bit of a slow road, this one. 283 00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:52,799 Hang on, Finn. 284 00:19:09,200 --> 00:19:11,199 Stay, Finn. 285 00:19:12,200 --> 00:19:14,199 What a bumpy road. 286 00:19:14,280 --> 00:19:17,999 Col is 50 kilometres from help... Just a little bit of traction. 287 00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:20,279 ..with no mobile phone contact. 288 00:19:31,320 --> 00:19:33,239 At their new Allawah mine... 289 00:19:34,320 --> 00:19:36,319 Rocks. 290 00:19:36,400 --> 00:19:38,279 ..apprentice Sam... 291 00:19:38,360 --> 00:19:41,799 The wind must have blown them. All good. 292 00:19:41,880 --> 00:19:44,079 ..is descending a 20-metre mineshaft, 293 00:19:44,160 --> 00:19:47,799 risking rock falls, as he battles to open up the mine. 294 00:19:48,920 --> 00:19:53,079 The temperature is pushing 35 degrees Centigrade. 295 00:19:53,160 --> 00:19:56,159 At this depth, air is limited. 296 00:20:00,760 --> 00:20:05,479 A hose from the surface gives Sam the vital air supply he needs. 297 00:20:05,560 --> 00:20:07,359 My lifeline here. 298 00:20:07,440 --> 00:20:10,279 I couldn't work down here. I'd just pass out. 299 00:20:10,360 --> 00:20:14,999 Sam's task is to widen the three-metre opening by hand, 300 00:20:15,080 --> 00:20:19,799 in a process known as 'belling out' to make way for the heavy diggers. 301 00:20:19,880 --> 00:20:23,479 Belling out is probably the hardest part of mining underground. 302 00:20:23,560 --> 00:20:25,559 Very little oxygen down there. 303 00:20:25,640 --> 00:20:29,679 It's hot and you're down there by yourself with the jackhammer. 304 00:20:29,760 --> 00:20:32,559 It's back to old-fashioned mining. 305 00:20:38,280 --> 00:20:41,399 Yeah? It's coming up! Right-o! 306 00:20:45,600 --> 00:20:50,039 Sam can't resist looking for signs of a rainbow colour. 307 00:20:51,120 --> 00:20:55,119 The feeling of seeing money in the wall will just be unreal. 308 00:20:56,320 --> 00:20:59,199 Oh, that just sends tingles down your spine. 309 00:21:00,280 --> 00:21:02,279 You see little specks of colour. 310 00:21:02,360 --> 00:21:03,919 Yeah. 311 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:05,559 Oh, yeah. 312 00:21:08,440 --> 00:21:10,439 Why did that light just go out? 313 00:21:11,520 --> 00:21:13,519 Pete! 314 00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:17,999 Pete! 315 00:21:18,080 --> 00:21:20,919 Yeah? I've lost power down here. 316 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:23,639 240 volts. What's the matter? 317 00:21:23,720 --> 00:21:26,479 I've lost 240-volt power! 318 00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:28,679 No light. No jackhammer. 319 00:21:28,760 --> 00:21:31,279 No air. No air? 320 00:21:31,360 --> 00:21:33,359 I'll see what I can have a look at. 321 00:21:44,400 --> 00:21:46,479 Just trying to get a bit of traction. 322 00:21:48,320 --> 00:21:49,999 That's the only hope. 323 00:21:50,080 --> 00:21:55,359 Alone. In the vast Australian Outback. Col is stuck. 324 00:21:56,680 --> 00:22:00,079 Hopefully, that's enough to get some traction. Give it a go. 325 00:22:00,160 --> 00:22:01,999 Come on, Finn. You get out and push. 326 00:22:02,080 --> 00:22:04,199 Come on, baby. You can do it. 327 00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:17,919 Yee-haw! 328 00:22:20,280 --> 00:22:25,999 Back on the hunt, Col has only a few hours left of this expedition to find traces of opal. 329 00:22:26,080 --> 00:22:31,479 Tomorrow, he needs to return to town to receive the results of his chest scan. 330 00:22:31,560 --> 00:22:36,359 Yeah, sort of a bit apprehensive on these results, if I have to get chopped up a bit more. 331 00:22:36,440 --> 00:22:38,639 So, of course, that plays on your mind. 332 00:22:38,720 --> 00:22:41,079 With medical worries plaguing him, 333 00:22:41,160 --> 00:22:44,439 Col hopes this trip can bring him some good news. 334 00:22:45,520 --> 00:22:47,079 Down into there. 335 00:22:47,160 --> 00:22:50,639 He's searching for a mine abandoned over a century ago. 336 00:22:55,160 --> 00:22:58,239 There's some small workings, real old and overgrown, 337 00:22:58,320 --> 00:23:00,799 which is great, exactly what I like to see. 338 00:23:01,880 --> 00:23:05,039 Finally, he's found what he's been searching for. 339 00:23:05,120 --> 00:23:07,359 We'd better pull up and have a look. 340 00:23:07,440 --> 00:23:11,599 One of the first mines of the opal rush from 1888. 341 00:23:14,800 --> 00:23:16,759 There's a bunch of old-timers here. 342 00:23:21,840 --> 00:23:23,839 A little bit. A beautiful purple. 343 00:23:23,920 --> 00:23:25,919 That's a good sign. 344 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:28,239 Making colour in the nuts. 345 00:23:28,320 --> 00:23:32,679 We've got the rock. Got the traces. So we'll just keep looking. 346 00:23:34,080 --> 00:23:36,679 It's just a matter of getting lucky. 347 00:23:36,760 --> 00:23:39,039 Ah, look at that! 348 00:23:39,120 --> 00:23:41,119 That's great. 349 00:23:41,200 --> 00:23:44,119 That's excellent. That's what we're looking for. 350 00:23:44,200 --> 00:23:47,599 This place can make more of it. We've just got to find where. 351 00:23:47,680 --> 00:23:50,399 This surface trace is promising enough 352 00:23:50,480 --> 00:23:54,479 for Col to return and mount a serious mining operation. 353 00:23:55,600 --> 00:23:58,959 Got a bit of a haul, but we're running out of light. 354 00:23:59,040 --> 00:24:04,239 So, uh, got to get going. I've got to go and see the doctor tomorrow and get these results. 355 00:24:04,320 --> 00:24:06,319 This has got potential 356 00:24:06,400 --> 00:24:09,199 and, down the track, we'll do what we have to do 357 00:24:09,280 --> 00:24:11,799 to tie it up and come and have a dig. 358 00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:22,439 At the Grasshopper Claim, deep in their labyrinth of a mine... 359 00:24:22,520 --> 00:24:24,399 Someone has been there before us. 360 00:24:24,480 --> 00:24:29,159 ..the Tunnel Rats have unexpectedly broken into another tunnel. 361 00:24:30,720 --> 00:24:33,719 Another miner may have beaten them to it. 362 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:39,639 I can see... I can't see too much, so we're gonna have to blast and see what's happening. 363 00:24:39,720 --> 00:24:42,919 Hm... I'll go and have a look round the corner. 364 00:24:43,000 --> 00:24:48,599 17 years of mining memory gives Rodney a clue to this mystery. 365 00:24:49,800 --> 00:24:54,359 We're just going to have a look... where it might have blown through. 366 00:24:56,880 --> 00:25:00,799 Yeah, there it is. Yes, it's one of Bayden's and my tunnel. 367 00:25:00,880 --> 00:25:03,679 You can see the light through there. 368 00:25:03,760 --> 00:25:06,839 What did you find out? It's our tunnel. Our tunnel? 369 00:25:06,920 --> 00:25:09,919 We're right at the end of the tunnel. Really? Yeah. 370 00:25:10,000 --> 00:25:11,999 They're onto a good opal trace 371 00:25:12,080 --> 00:25:14,679 and want to break through to the other side. 372 00:25:14,760 --> 00:25:19,799 What we're going to do is... light the bombs and get out of here. We're gonna blast. 373 00:25:19,880 --> 00:25:22,799 One...two...three... 374 00:25:22,880 --> 00:25:25,519 four...five... 375 00:25:25,600 --> 00:25:27,679 six...seven... 376 00:25:27,760 --> 00:25:29,839 eight. 377 00:25:29,920 --> 00:25:31,599 That's it. 378 00:25:33,440 --> 00:25:35,439 Got to be close now. 379 00:25:40,240 --> 00:25:42,239 Eight. Eight. 380 00:25:43,760 --> 00:25:46,319 We're going down now to check the face. 381 00:25:51,200 --> 00:25:53,599 It can be quite dangerous. 382 00:25:53,680 --> 00:25:56,559 If that fell on your head, you'd be dead. 383 00:25:56,640 --> 00:26:00,079 The opal doesn't want to be found. It wants to kill you. 384 00:26:01,160 --> 00:26:06,359 After years of failure, they need to make $200,000 in just three months 385 00:26:06,440 --> 00:26:09,639 to relocate their whole lives and operation 386 00:26:09,720 --> 00:26:11,919 or risk losing everything. 387 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:14,199 Ooh, there's lots of colour just here. 388 00:26:14,280 --> 00:26:16,039 And here. 389 00:26:16,120 --> 00:26:18,439 A little bit there. What have you got? 390 00:26:18,520 --> 00:26:20,519 I've got an opal trace. 391 00:26:20,600 --> 00:26:23,599 Look at that colour. That is a beautiful colour, son. 392 00:26:24,600 --> 00:26:26,799 Green, yellow, orange. 393 00:26:26,880 --> 00:26:28,599 Red. A dark base. 394 00:26:28,680 --> 00:26:31,399 Yeah. Wait till you see what I've got in my hands. 395 00:26:34,800 --> 00:26:36,599 Wow! 396 00:26:36,680 --> 00:26:38,679 Ho ho! Nice. 397 00:26:39,760 --> 00:26:42,519 I think our luck is going to change. 398 00:26:44,360 --> 00:26:46,519 Pretty damn exciting. 399 00:26:46,600 --> 00:26:50,799 It's very exciting. Been a long time coming for us. That's for sure. 400 00:26:51,960 --> 00:26:53,559 I think... 401 00:26:53,640 --> 00:26:55,799 it's leading us into something. 402 00:26:55,880 --> 00:26:58,919 Hopefully, something really, really good. 403 00:27:08,000 --> 00:27:09,319 Pete! 404 00:27:09,400 --> 00:27:11,799 20 metres down a mine shaft, 405 00:27:11,880 --> 00:27:16,199 rookie Sam Westra has just lost all power, light 406 00:27:16,280 --> 00:27:19,239 and, most vitally, his air supply. 407 00:27:21,160 --> 00:27:24,839 You won't last long down there without fresh air going down, so... 408 00:27:29,800 --> 00:27:31,799 Whatever you did then worked. 409 00:27:32,880 --> 00:27:35,799 What have you got now? No air, 410 00:27:35,880 --> 00:27:37,879 but light and the hammer. 411 00:27:37,960 --> 00:27:40,439 I think the air pump might have... 412 00:27:40,520 --> 00:27:43,279 Rightio. Do you want to come up and have a spell? 413 00:27:43,360 --> 00:27:46,199 Yeah. I'll shovel this hoist and then I will. 414 00:27:46,280 --> 00:27:47,839 All right. 415 00:27:52,200 --> 00:27:54,199 Rightio. Hoist coming up! 416 00:27:55,920 --> 00:27:59,439 Sam has filled the hoist, but refuses to stop. 417 00:28:01,000 --> 00:28:04,719 The temperature is pushing 35 degrees Centigrade. 418 00:28:04,800 --> 00:28:07,399 His air supply has stopped, 419 00:28:07,480 --> 00:28:11,479 but Sam continues to chase the opal he's convinced he's seen. 420 00:28:14,800 --> 00:28:16,679 Nice blue-purples there. 421 00:28:19,720 --> 00:28:23,679 He's now at serious risk of passing out. 422 00:28:28,840 --> 00:28:30,839 How is it going down there, mate? 423 00:28:32,080 --> 00:28:34,079 Are you all right? 424 00:28:34,160 --> 00:28:36,559 I'm all right. Aah. 425 00:28:37,320 --> 00:28:39,679 Yeah. Get out of there. Come up, mate. 426 00:28:40,760 --> 00:28:42,639 Oh, I'm coming up. 427 00:28:42,720 --> 00:28:44,719 It's too hot down here. 428 00:28:48,960 --> 00:28:52,279 He'll be pretty hot and uncomfortable down there, at the moment, 429 00:28:52,360 --> 00:28:54,839 within any air going down, it's a hole. 430 00:28:54,920 --> 00:28:56,919 Are you all right down there, mate? 431 00:28:57,000 --> 00:28:59,599 Oh, yeah. I'm coming up. Just having a rest. 432 00:29:00,760 --> 00:29:02,759 Whoo. 433 00:29:10,800 --> 00:29:12,399 Oh. 434 00:29:13,760 --> 00:29:16,119 There you go. That will fix you up. 435 00:29:17,280 --> 00:29:21,799 It's not a laughing matter. That's serious stuff. We'll have to get that fixed. 436 00:29:21,880 --> 00:29:24,359 Yeah. You don't want to be down there without that. 437 00:29:25,400 --> 00:29:27,399 We'll call it a day here 438 00:29:27,480 --> 00:29:29,519 and get it washed down. 439 00:29:30,520 --> 00:29:34,479 Sam's diggings are taken back to the wash plant for cleaning. 440 00:29:39,280 --> 00:29:44,479 When it's finished, 30kg of rocks are ready to be checked for opal. 441 00:29:44,560 --> 00:29:46,559 Rightio. 442 00:29:49,160 --> 00:29:51,559 There's a colour there. Look at that, Pete. 443 00:29:51,640 --> 00:29:54,279 Look at the colour in that. The red. 444 00:29:54,360 --> 00:29:56,159 Yes. Wow. 445 00:29:56,240 --> 00:29:58,799 There will be a bit of crystal in there. 446 00:29:58,880 --> 00:30:00,879 Yeah? Yeah. Cool. 447 00:30:00,960 --> 00:30:04,359 Nice. We need some more. Yeah, that's it. 448 00:30:04,440 --> 00:30:07,159 A little bit, a little bit of colour. Look at this. 449 00:30:07,240 --> 00:30:08,919 It is a bit. 450 00:30:09,000 --> 00:30:10,719 That's nice and bright. 451 00:30:10,800 --> 00:30:12,319 Purple-blue. 452 00:30:12,400 --> 00:30:15,239 The first two days I work and one stone already! 453 00:30:16,800 --> 00:30:18,879 Yeah, a nice colour. It is, isn't it? 454 00:30:18,960 --> 00:30:20,759 Take the top off, 455 00:30:20,840 --> 00:30:23,279 see what's under it? Yeah. Yeah. 456 00:30:32,280 --> 00:30:36,759 I'm just on my way to the doctor's, to get the results of my chest scan. 457 00:30:36,840 --> 00:30:42,279 So, hopefully, it's good news. If it's not, we'll have to take that step as we get to it. 458 00:30:42,360 --> 00:30:45,559 It's the day Col has been dreading. 459 00:30:46,560 --> 00:30:51,479 Getting cancer taught me that you've got to appreciate what you've got while you've got it. 460 00:30:51,560 --> 00:30:55,039 I don't think the story is over yet. It's just another chapter, 461 00:30:55,120 --> 00:30:58,599 but we'll take it as it comes and we'll find out very soon. 462 00:31:07,080 --> 00:31:10,559 All good. That was six months. 463 00:31:10,640 --> 00:31:12,639 That's great news. 464 00:31:12,720 --> 00:31:14,719 I'm pretty lucky. 465 00:31:14,800 --> 00:31:16,759 It's a good day. 466 00:31:16,840 --> 00:31:18,999 They really had me worried there 467 00:31:19,080 --> 00:31:22,559 with these lumps and it turns out it's just scar tissue. 468 00:31:22,640 --> 00:31:25,039 It's like, 'Oh, thank God for that!' 469 00:31:25,120 --> 00:31:26,559 Never lose hope. 470 00:31:31,240 --> 00:31:35,479 Just got to build up again and let's hook in and find some opal. 471 00:31:40,800 --> 00:31:44,319 In his cutting shed, Col is straight back to work, 472 00:31:44,400 --> 00:31:47,959 maximizing the value of his recent opal find. 473 00:31:48,040 --> 00:31:50,639 Well, here's some bits I picked up at the old-timer's. 474 00:31:50,720 --> 00:31:52,759 A beautiful colour. 475 00:31:52,840 --> 00:31:56,559 When I add it all up, by the time I'm finished, $500. 476 00:31:56,680 --> 00:31:59,279 That will help me pay a few bills. 477 00:31:59,360 --> 00:32:01,719 I'm just cutting little tiny clean stones. 478 00:32:02,760 --> 00:32:06,319 The little stones add up. Once you've polished it and shaped it, 479 00:32:06,400 --> 00:32:08,679 it really brings out that colour. 480 00:32:08,760 --> 00:32:12,599 It's the most beautiful of all the gems. All good opals are unique. 481 00:32:13,400 --> 00:32:16,639 And so each one is just an adventure in itself. 482 00:32:16,720 --> 00:32:19,679 It's magic. It's the stuff of life. 483 00:32:33,560 --> 00:32:35,559 But, more importantly, 484 00:32:35,640 --> 00:32:39,919 it's a sign the old mines could deliver even more opal. 485 00:32:41,000 --> 00:32:44,799 So, yeah, I'm happy just for getting out there and finding that place 486 00:32:44,880 --> 00:32:47,839 and getting a few nice pieces to inspire me. 487 00:32:47,920 --> 00:32:52,239 Having a bit of an adventure and walking around is great for the soul. 488 00:32:53,280 --> 00:32:55,439 I came back, got some good news 489 00:32:55,520 --> 00:32:59,839 and that gives me the inspiration to go and find some more opal. 490 00:33:04,440 --> 00:33:08,999 Pete and Sam have found two good stones from 30kg of rocks. 491 00:33:09,080 --> 00:33:12,359 Oh, a nice, nice colour is coming out. 492 00:33:12,440 --> 00:33:15,719 But, um, the colour doesn't run through. 493 00:33:15,800 --> 00:33:18,919 So, not quite as big as we originally thought. 494 00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:22,039 They're polishing them to maximise their value. 495 00:33:22,120 --> 00:33:25,439 That's our little bit of crystal that we've ended up with. 496 00:33:25,520 --> 00:33:28,239 There's nothing the buyers can fault with that. 497 00:33:28,320 --> 00:33:30,719 The first is crystal opal. 498 00:33:34,160 --> 00:33:36,159 Another couple of dozen of those... 499 00:33:36,240 --> 00:33:39,559 Wouldn't that be good? Well, we've got this other one here. 500 00:33:39,640 --> 00:33:45,119 If the second stone or 'nobby' is black opal, it could be the jackpot they need. 501 00:33:45,200 --> 00:33:48,319 I'm hoping that, that blue is sitting on the black. Yeah. 502 00:33:54,800 --> 00:33:56,799 Oh. 503 00:33:56,880 --> 00:33:58,879 Wow. Wow. 504 00:33:58,960 --> 00:34:00,559 That's good. 505 00:34:00,640 --> 00:34:02,439 Really nice. Yeah. 506 00:34:02,520 --> 00:34:05,279 It's exciting. I really didn't expect that. 507 00:34:05,360 --> 00:34:08,239 Be good to smooth it up a bit, take this off it. Yeah. 508 00:34:08,320 --> 00:34:10,319 Just see what we end up with. 509 00:34:17,080 --> 00:34:19,079 Just as nice. Yeah, it looks good. 510 00:34:19,160 --> 00:34:23,319 We could even take it like that. Yeah? And see what we're offered. 511 00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:28,719 We go in at two grand a carat for the crystal? Yeah. 512 00:34:28,800 --> 00:34:30,799 Two grand a carat for the crystal. 513 00:34:31,880 --> 00:34:33,879 Um... I'm not sure about that nobby. 514 00:34:33,960 --> 00:34:35,599 I think... 515 00:34:35,680 --> 00:34:37,479 I'll just put... 516 00:34:37,560 --> 00:34:39,079 eight grand on it. 517 00:34:39,160 --> 00:34:41,759 Their first stone is crystal opal, 518 00:34:41,840 --> 00:34:44,959 of medium quality, weighing half a gram. 519 00:34:45,040 --> 00:34:47,319 They're hoping for $3,000. 520 00:34:47,400 --> 00:34:52,519 Their second stone is black opal, weighing nearly two grams. 521 00:34:52,600 --> 00:34:58,399 Inclusions of sand and clay give it a price of approximately $8,000. 522 00:35:00,080 --> 00:35:03,879 Hello. Hiya. How are you doing? Good. How are you? Good. 523 00:35:03,960 --> 00:35:08,279 Buyer Vicki Bokros cuts and sells stones in Lightning Ridge. 524 00:35:08,360 --> 00:35:10,799 So, what have you got? 525 00:35:10,880 --> 00:35:13,319 The first stone is the black opal. 526 00:35:14,880 --> 00:35:17,879 You'd need to sort of trim all that out or something. 527 00:35:17,960 --> 00:35:21,439 The clay. You can see it goes quite deep. Mm-hm. 528 00:35:21,520 --> 00:35:23,919 It's actually travelling on an angle. 529 00:35:24,000 --> 00:35:26,479 So I would roll that potch back. Mm-hm. 530 00:35:26,560 --> 00:35:28,719 It's a nice piece. 531 00:35:28,800 --> 00:35:30,879 Yeah. I'm - Is it for sale now? Or...? 532 00:35:30,960 --> 00:35:33,959 Uh, well, everything is for sale, at a price! 533 00:35:34,040 --> 00:35:37,119 I mean, you're welcome to make an offer on it. 534 00:35:37,200 --> 00:35:40,039 Oh, I'll wait till you clean it up a bit more! 535 00:35:41,200 --> 00:35:43,159 This is a piece that... 536 00:35:43,240 --> 00:35:46,479 It's from a similar area. Oh, that's gorgeous! 537 00:35:46,560 --> 00:35:49,919 Wow. I'm a sucker for the nice Lightning Ridge crystal. 538 00:35:50,000 --> 00:35:52,599 So, what have you got on that? 539 00:35:52,680 --> 00:35:54,679 $2,000 a carat, Vicki. 540 00:35:54,760 --> 00:35:58,079 Wow. That's serious money. 541 00:35:58,160 --> 00:36:00,639 A beautiful stone, though. 542 00:36:02,920 --> 00:36:08,319 Don't be offended, but the most I could do is about three grand for the stone. 543 00:36:08,400 --> 00:36:10,159 Three grand? 544 00:36:10,360 --> 00:36:11,799 Jeez. 545 00:36:11,880 --> 00:36:13,479 Ohh... 546 00:36:13,560 --> 00:36:16,399 Well, if you push it up a bit. Four? 547 00:36:20,760 --> 00:36:22,519 Look... 548 00:36:22,600 --> 00:36:26,399 The best I could do is three and a half for the stone. 549 00:36:26,480 --> 00:36:28,119 Three and a half? Yeah. 550 00:36:28,200 --> 00:36:33,679 I think that works out at about $1,200 a carat, roughly. $1,200? And I think that's really fair. 551 00:36:35,160 --> 00:36:37,639 Three and a half? Yeah. OK. Done. 552 00:36:37,720 --> 00:36:40,679 Excellent. Thank you. Thanks, Vicki. It's beautiful. 553 00:36:40,760 --> 00:36:44,279 A beautiful stone. We'll just have to try and find you a few more. 554 00:36:44,360 --> 00:36:45,719 Yeah, that'd be good. 555 00:36:48,080 --> 00:36:50,359 That's a successful sale for us. 556 00:36:53,280 --> 00:36:57,079 Oh, I think Sam was happy to see a couple of dollars coming in. 557 00:36:57,160 --> 00:36:59,519 It looks pretty, but you can't eat it. 558 00:36:59,600 --> 00:37:03,079 It doesn't put food on the table until you turn it into cash. 559 00:37:03,160 --> 00:37:06,159 With the crystal opal going for $3,500 560 00:37:06,240 --> 00:37:10,959 and the black opal, once cleaned up, an approximate $8,000, 561 00:37:11,040 --> 00:37:15,999 the two stones bring their total up to $17,500. 562 00:37:17,080 --> 00:37:18,799 Now for the big test. 563 00:37:18,880 --> 00:37:22,479 What will Sam's dad think of his find? 564 00:37:24,120 --> 00:37:26,039 Hello, Sam. Hi, Dad. 565 00:37:26,120 --> 00:37:29,439 We found 11K. Wow! Well, that's... Yeah. 566 00:37:29,520 --> 00:37:32,639 The hard work has finally paid off. A good start. 567 00:37:32,720 --> 00:37:37,199 Yeah. A good start. Want some more, with what we've invested into it. 568 00:37:37,280 --> 00:37:39,279 That's... That's the problem. 569 00:37:39,360 --> 00:37:42,399 That's it. At least some opal is coming out, so... 570 00:37:42,480 --> 00:37:44,279 Yeah, pretty happy. 571 00:37:44,360 --> 00:37:46,399 Well, that's good. 572 00:37:46,480 --> 00:37:49,799 I'll let you get back to your real job. At least that earns money. 573 00:37:49,880 --> 00:37:51,879 Yeah, well, so does mine now! 574 00:37:51,960 --> 00:37:54,919 Rightio, see you later. All right. 575 00:38:03,080 --> 00:38:08,879 Deep underground in Mintabie, it's make or break for the Tunnel Rats. 576 00:38:10,040 --> 00:38:13,599 I'm very excited to see what we've got in the face. 577 00:38:13,680 --> 00:38:15,599 Look at that. Wow. 578 00:38:15,680 --> 00:38:19,679 They need this seam of opal to produce. Big time. 579 00:38:19,760 --> 00:38:21,759 For nearly 20 years, 580 00:38:21,840 --> 00:38:25,439 the father-and-son team have poured half a million dollars 581 00:38:25,520 --> 00:38:28,319 and every ounce of their being into Grasshopper. 582 00:38:28,400 --> 00:38:30,399 For little reward. 583 00:38:32,360 --> 00:38:36,919 But if I had to do it over again, I'd still do it over again. I just love opal. 584 00:38:37,000 --> 00:38:40,199 They need $200,000 in just three months, 585 00:38:40,280 --> 00:38:45,159 before they're forced to abandon their mine and find a new home. 586 00:38:45,240 --> 00:38:50,119 So, this is our trace. This is what we're gonna be working on. I'll work my way over 587 00:38:50,200 --> 00:38:52,319 and take out the underneath. 588 00:38:54,680 --> 00:38:59,679 They need this next dig to produce the biggest find of their careers. 589 00:39:14,480 --> 00:39:16,479 Hang on. Bloody hell. 590 00:39:19,640 --> 00:39:22,439 We've got more opal and it's gorgeous. 591 00:39:22,520 --> 00:39:24,519 Oh, beautiful! 592 00:39:26,840 --> 00:39:30,679 Well, it's a nice chunk. That's beautiful. 593 00:39:30,760 --> 00:39:33,359 For so long, we've had nothing. 594 00:39:33,440 --> 00:39:35,439 And to see that is... 595 00:39:36,440 --> 00:39:38,439 Makes you want to cry. 596 00:39:38,520 --> 00:39:43,079 It's a very emotional thing to find opal after such a long time. 597 00:39:44,760 --> 00:39:47,159 Oh, my God! That's... Wow! 598 00:39:47,240 --> 00:39:49,639 Wow. Wow. That is Mintabie at its best. 599 00:39:50,760 --> 00:39:52,879 Whoo! That is... 600 00:39:52,960 --> 00:39:54,959 That is what I call Mintabie opal. 601 00:39:55,040 --> 00:39:58,319 Yes! 602 00:40:01,000 --> 00:40:04,439 I never, never thought anything existed so beautiful. 603 00:40:04,520 --> 00:40:06,319 Oh, my God! 604 00:40:06,400 --> 00:40:09,279 Yay! Whoo! 605 00:40:09,360 --> 00:40:11,359 Oh, look at that! 606 00:40:12,640 --> 00:40:16,639 I've never seen opal like this in my life. And there's more up there. 607 00:40:16,720 --> 00:40:18,599 It's all there, too. 608 00:40:18,680 --> 00:40:23,159 Yeah! 609 00:40:23,240 --> 00:40:27,399 If I don't get $6,000 to $8,000 an ounce on that, 610 00:40:27,480 --> 00:40:30,239 I'm not selling it, I'm keeping it. 611 00:40:30,320 --> 00:40:33,439 That's six to eight. That's gorgeous. 612 00:40:33,520 --> 00:40:36,799 Oh, look at that! 613 00:40:39,320 --> 00:40:41,119 Yeah. 614 00:40:41,200 --> 00:40:42,999 Whoo! 615 00:40:44,080 --> 00:40:47,839 Oh, wow. That's just absolutely insane. 616 00:40:47,920 --> 00:40:49,519 Yes! 617 00:40:50,600 --> 00:40:52,599 Yes! Us! 618 00:40:54,280 --> 00:40:56,279 Us! We've done it! 619 00:40:59,000 --> 00:41:00,999 Well done. 620 00:41:03,520 --> 00:41:05,839 All these years, son. 621 00:41:11,000 --> 00:41:13,399 You're making me tear up. 622 00:41:13,480 --> 00:41:15,679 Yeah, I know. 623 00:41:16,960 --> 00:41:18,959 Man... Ain't that a rush? 624 00:41:21,840 --> 00:41:23,839 I feel awesome, man. 625 00:41:23,920 --> 00:41:26,479 I just feel like life has just changed. 626 00:41:26,560 --> 00:41:31,599 As they say, if you want to become a millionaire, go opal mining. 627 00:41:31,680 --> 00:41:34,119 You can become a millionaire overnight. 628 00:41:34,200 --> 00:41:38,759 And, as you've just seen, we've only just started to scratch the surface. 629 00:41:38,840 --> 00:41:41,039 That's what I call crystal. 630 00:41:45,440 --> 00:41:47,439 I'm honestly in shock. 631 00:41:47,520 --> 00:41:49,719 What an experience. For even Dad and I. 632 00:41:49,800 --> 00:41:52,359 Father and son, to find it. 633 00:41:52,440 --> 00:41:54,239 Finally. 634 00:41:56,080 --> 00:41:58,479 It's just made things a lot easier for us. 635 00:42:01,080 --> 00:42:06,079 Well, this is the best of what we've got. It's pretty amazing, isn't it? It is. 636 00:42:06,160 --> 00:42:09,039 How much do you think it's worth? Well, that's the thing. 637 00:42:09,120 --> 00:42:12,839 What would it be worth if we were to cut it? I crunched some numbers. 638 00:42:12,920 --> 00:42:15,519 Yeah? And what did you work out? And... 639 00:42:15,600 --> 00:42:20,279 Once you cut it, you'll lose that little bit off it. So, you'd end up with... 640 00:42:20,360 --> 00:42:23,359 What does that work out? If we cut the whole stones... 641 00:42:23,440 --> 00:42:27,319 If you did that, at $900 a carat, that's like... 642 00:42:28,320 --> 00:42:30,759 It's like $100,000. 643 00:42:32,920 --> 00:42:36,079 Yes. That's it. 100 grand? I'm happy with that. 644 00:42:50,600 --> 00:42:52,719 And who knows? 645 00:42:52,800 --> 00:42:56,079 You might have - Just in that? Just in that? Yeah, just in that. 646 00:42:56,160 --> 00:42:57,839 In one find, 647 00:42:57,920 --> 00:42:59,919 they are halfway to their target 648 00:43:00,000 --> 00:43:05,599 and one massive step closer to the money they need to find a new home. 649 00:43:05,680 --> 00:43:07,959 I felt stunned, really, 650 00:43:08,040 --> 00:43:12,519 because I'd never experienced opal like that before. 651 00:43:12,600 --> 00:43:14,679 That was just an amazing experience. 652 00:43:14,760 --> 00:43:17,519 That's... It's like a once-in-a-lifetime sort of thing. 653 00:43:17,600 --> 00:43:19,959 You just don't expect that will ever happen to you. 654 00:43:20,040 --> 00:43:22,999 It just takes a big burden off the shoulders for sure. 655 00:43:23,080 --> 00:43:25,439 But we need... We need to keep on finding it. 656 00:43:25,520 --> 00:43:28,799 Whoo! 657 00:43:30,040 --> 00:43:32,039 subtitles by Deluxe 657 00:43:33,305 --> 00:44:33,590 Support us and become VIP member to remove all ads from www.OpenSubtitles.org