"Outback Opal Hunters" Walls Closing In

1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,199 NARRATOR: On Outback Opal Hunters... 2 00:00:04,280 --> 00:00:06,279 Man, that's hard. 3 00:00:06,360 --> 00:00:08,759 ..racing to break a month-long opal drought... 4 00:00:08,840 --> 00:00:11,279 Oh, you ! Ohhh! 5 00:00:11,360 --> 00:00:14,719 ..the Bushmen's 50-50 partnership is on the line. 6 00:00:14,800 --> 00:00:18,279 I want to really do something to impress the partners. 7 00:00:18,360 --> 00:00:20,479 We well need it at the moment. 8 00:00:20,560 --> 00:00:22,559 After weeks of delays, 9 00:00:22,640 --> 00:00:25,279 the Young Guns finally move onto their new claim. 10 00:00:25,360 --> 00:00:29,199 Ohhh! But gaining access for their heavy machinery 11 00:00:29,280 --> 00:00:32,159 becomes an epic dig all of its own. 12 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:34,239 There's no shaft in that bit of dirt. 13 00:00:34,320 --> 00:00:37,039 It's like I this whole thing up for us. 14 00:00:37,120 --> 00:00:41,439 And Pete and Sam's trusty Allawah claim finally runs dry... 15 00:00:41,520 --> 00:00:44,479 That's it. I've had enough of this. ..forcing them to scavenge 16 00:00:44,560 --> 00:00:46,639 through century-old mines 17 00:00:46,720 --> 00:00:48,719 for prized black opal. 18 00:00:48,800 --> 00:00:50,799 Oh, yeah, look at this! 19 00:00:50,880 --> 00:00:53,199 # ASH GRUNWALD: Money 20 00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:55,279 # Money 21 00:00:57,200 --> 00:01:00,439 # And fancy clothes # 22 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:08,074 23 00:01:26,680 --> 00:01:28,919 I don't know whether to love it or hate it. 24 00:01:30,280 --> 00:01:33,199 NARRATOR: 11 metres below the unforgiving ground 25 00:01:33,280 --> 00:01:37,239 of Ploughboys claim, 74-year-old Les Walsh... 26 00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:40,639 ..and 59-year-old Rod Manning... 27 00:01:40,720 --> 00:01:43,999 And that's hard ground. , that's hard ground. 28 00:01:44,080 --> 00:01:46,639 ..have hit concrete-like sandstone. 29 00:01:48,120 --> 00:01:50,119 Let's have a look. 30 00:01:51,440 --> 00:01:54,559 Yeah, we're really hoping that this turns into something up 31 00:01:54,640 --> 00:01:57,879 through here, because we need it at the moment. 32 00:01:57,960 --> 00:02:02,199 A new 50-50 partnership with mine owner Martin Hutchison 33 00:02:02,280 --> 00:02:06,199 is putting the Bushmen under increased pressure to find opal. 34 00:02:06,280 --> 00:02:09,639 Come on, you ! You've got to get better than this! 35 00:02:11,120 --> 00:02:14,919 I want to really do something to impress the partners. 36 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:18,399 Every day, I tell them I'm close, I'm close, I'm close. 37 00:02:20,080 --> 00:02:23,279 And it's just not happening for us, you know? 38 00:02:23,360 --> 00:02:27,279 It's not doing us any favours, this not finding any colour. 39 00:02:27,360 --> 00:02:29,879 I mean, its faces are good, 40 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:32,119 but it's all too thin. 41 00:02:32,200 --> 00:02:34,199 You can't do anything with it. 42 00:02:34,280 --> 00:02:37,119 So, we need stuff at least a quarter of an inch thick, 43 00:02:37,200 --> 00:02:39,239 with good colour bars in it. 44 00:02:39,320 --> 00:02:42,599 Until that happens, well, we're not going anywhere. 45 00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:45,999 Halfway through the season 46 00:02:46,080 --> 00:02:48,679 and big dreams of setting Les up for retirement 47 00:02:48,760 --> 00:02:51,439 have so far failed to deliver. 48 00:02:51,520 --> 00:02:55,239 Meagre opal finds and major machinery breakdowns... 49 00:02:55,320 --> 00:02:57,719 Ohhh, no! 50 00:02:57,800 --> 00:03:00,319 ..have left them with little to show. 51 00:03:00,400 --> 00:03:03,119 You've got to halve it and then you've got to halve it again 52 00:03:03,200 --> 00:03:06,439 for me and Les. We need more. 53 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:09,319 This season target is a important one, 54 00:03:09,400 --> 00:03:13,199 because I really made my mind up that this year, you know, 55 00:03:13,280 --> 00:03:16,919 the old fella's got to, er, be sent off the right way. 56 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:19,479 We're a bit, er, behind where we should be 57 00:03:19,560 --> 00:03:22,199 at this stage of the season, and it's no good 58 00:03:22,280 --> 00:03:25,199 just getting a stone or two here and there and a bit of trace. 59 00:03:25,280 --> 00:03:27,559 We need to find some decent opal here. 60 00:03:27,640 --> 00:03:31,679 So, hoping for a massive big pocket of beautiful colour. 61 00:03:31,760 --> 00:03:33,839 That's what we're hoping for. 62 00:03:36,440 --> 00:03:40,319 You know, you've got to put your mind back 120 million years, too. 63 00:03:41,440 --> 00:03:44,999 That's when it was formed, and it was formed by water. 64 00:03:45,080 --> 00:03:47,079 So, you've sort of got to be chasing 65 00:03:47,160 --> 00:03:49,959 where water had flown millions of years ago. 66 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:52,159 So, you're looking for all the signs 67 00:03:52,240 --> 00:03:54,999 that water could've been carried down your face 68 00:03:55,080 --> 00:03:57,119 and what brought that water down 69 00:03:57,200 --> 00:03:59,199 in the first place. 70 00:03:59,280 --> 00:04:02,399 I reckon I've got a major fault coming in down the bottom here. 71 00:04:02,480 --> 00:04:06,319 Yeah. I suppose you could call it a little bit of detective work. 72 00:04:07,200 --> 00:04:09,199 It's here somewhere. 73 00:04:09,280 --> 00:04:11,399 It does feel like that sometimes. 74 00:04:13,040 --> 00:04:15,439 Making the mining even more challenging, 75 00:04:15,520 --> 00:04:18,399 their 50 square metre Ploughboys claim 76 00:04:18,480 --> 00:04:21,799 is proving to be the toughest they've ever tackled. 77 00:04:21,880 --> 00:04:23,999 The digging down here, 78 00:04:24,080 --> 00:04:26,079 it don't get any harder. 79 00:04:30,160 --> 00:04:32,519 You know, it's hard on the digger. 80 00:04:32,600 --> 00:04:34,599 Tough on everything. Tough on us. 81 00:04:35,640 --> 00:04:39,519 But I've not seen ground as hard as this in a level. 82 00:04:39,600 --> 00:04:41,599 It's hard stuff. 83 00:04:44,720 --> 00:04:46,959 Well, that's a bit disappointing, Les. 84 00:04:47,040 --> 00:04:50,879 Promises you the world and then doesn't deliver a thing. 85 00:04:50,960 --> 00:04:52,959 But you can't give up. 86 00:04:53,040 --> 00:04:55,479 Got to keep on plodding on, because one day... 87 00:04:55,560 --> 00:04:57,559 Yeah, mate, one day. 88 00:05:04,920 --> 00:05:06,919 Oh, what happened here? 89 00:05:07,000 --> 00:05:08,999 What was that? 90 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:11,319 We've got a missing tooth. What? 91 00:05:12,320 --> 00:05:14,319 Tooth broke off. 92 00:05:15,720 --> 00:05:18,279 Oh, bloody Norah, Les. 93 00:05:18,360 --> 00:05:20,359 It just tore out and cracked out. 94 00:05:21,200 --> 00:05:23,199 Does it ever end? 95 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:25,999 No, it's getting worse. 96 00:05:35,120 --> 00:05:37,759 This week is all about getting into the new mine. 97 00:05:37,840 --> 00:05:40,399 The mine itself actually belonged to a man 98 00:05:40,480 --> 00:05:42,479 who pulled out a $100,000 find. 99 00:05:42,560 --> 00:05:45,919 So, yeah, we'll definitely be chasing more of that. 100 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:48,359 NARRATOR: Hopes are running high for the Young Guns 101 00:05:48,440 --> 00:05:51,679 with their new claim - a 50 square metre proven mine 102 00:05:51,760 --> 00:05:54,199 that's been untouched for ten years. 103 00:05:54,280 --> 00:05:56,879 Well, this is the only way in and out of the mine. 104 00:05:56,960 --> 00:05:59,719 Yeah, this is it. One shaft. The whole area. 105 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:03,519 Their first task is to get their essential mining equipment 106 00:06:03,600 --> 00:06:05,959 into the 14-metre-deep mine. 107 00:06:06,040 --> 00:06:08,559 Each of our pieces of machinery is over a tonne, 108 00:06:08,640 --> 00:06:10,839 so it's going to be a massive challenge. 109 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:15,119 125. That's the box. How long's the digger? 110 00:06:15,200 --> 00:06:17,359 170. That's with the arm. 111 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:19,559 Like, look at the size of the hole. I know. 112 00:06:19,640 --> 00:06:21,959 It'd only barely fit in the collar anyway, 113 00:06:22,040 --> 00:06:24,039 so we'd have to take the whole sides, 114 00:06:24,120 --> 00:06:26,119 this corner and that corner, all the way down. 115 00:06:26,200 --> 00:06:29,199 We're gonna have to stand on the edge and just jackhammer out the sides. 116 00:06:29,280 --> 00:06:32,279 But damn, like, that's gonna be dangerous, man. It's a big drop 117 00:06:32,360 --> 00:06:35,319 if something does go wrong. So, I'm looking down this hole 118 00:06:35,400 --> 00:06:37,599 and there's just no way the digger 119 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:40,359 is going to fit through there, let alone the loader. 120 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:43,639 In only their second season, 121 00:06:43,720 --> 00:06:47,559 the Young Guns have massively scaled up their operation. 122 00:06:47,640 --> 00:06:49,639 With the help of an investor, 123 00:06:49,720 --> 00:06:53,119 they've forked out $62,000 on machinery. 124 00:06:54,440 --> 00:06:56,439 But the bigger machines 125 00:06:56,520 --> 00:06:59,319 have come with bigger problems. 126 00:06:59,400 --> 00:07:02,959 Well... And there we go. That roof just moved. 127 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:05,039 Their powerful new digger... Ooh. 128 00:07:05,120 --> 00:07:09,079 ..exposed structural weaknesses in their World's End claim, 129 00:07:09,160 --> 00:07:11,159 forcing them to abandon it. 130 00:07:13,360 --> 00:07:16,359 What we need is a excavator, but... 131 00:07:16,440 --> 00:07:20,079 Your dad does have an excavator. I mean, I'd rather not ask him. 132 00:07:20,160 --> 00:07:22,519 He's always helping us. I know. I wouldn't either, 133 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:25,039 but if we paid him fuel and everything? 134 00:07:25,120 --> 00:07:27,519 Oh, once again, 135 00:07:27,600 --> 00:07:30,319 another hiccup and we're going straight back to Graeme. 136 00:07:30,400 --> 00:07:32,879 We've got really no other choice. He's got the machinery 137 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:35,519 and we've got the cash, so if we can strike a deal, 138 00:07:35,600 --> 00:07:38,319 it's definitely our best option. 139 00:07:38,400 --> 00:07:41,999 Our season earnings so far is at $37,000. 140 00:07:42,080 --> 00:07:44,679 We've still got a long way to go to make 100 grand. 141 00:07:44,760 --> 00:07:48,439 We're hoping this new mine is the one that's going to pay off for us. 142 00:07:48,520 --> 00:07:51,519 Hey, guys. How you going? Jaymin's father, Graeme, 143 00:07:51,600 --> 00:07:54,599 has mined in White Cliffs for 28 years. 144 00:07:54,680 --> 00:07:57,399 What are you guys doing down here? What's broken now? 145 00:07:57,480 --> 00:08:01,119 Nothing. We've, er... We have hit a bit of a problem, though. 146 00:08:01,200 --> 00:08:04,319 Yeah? We've come over to the, you know, the new mine, 147 00:08:04,400 --> 00:08:07,159 and, um, none of our gear is going to fit down the shaft. 148 00:08:07,240 --> 00:08:09,839 You'll have to just jackhammer it out bigger. 149 00:08:09,920 --> 00:08:13,639 I don't think we're going to be able to do that. So, what do you want from me? 150 00:08:13,720 --> 00:08:16,159 Ohhh! You want my machine 151 00:08:16,240 --> 00:08:18,999 to come and dig for you! It's not going to be cheap. 152 00:08:19,080 --> 00:08:22,159 The boys have set themselves up to run independently, you know? 153 00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:24,799 But they still keep coming back for help all the time. 154 00:08:24,880 --> 00:08:27,079 So, I mean, a bit of tough love doesn't hurt. 155 00:08:27,160 --> 00:08:29,199 Um, a bit of reality for them, really. 156 00:08:29,280 --> 00:08:31,959 You know, this will use up to 40 litres an hour of diesel, 157 00:08:32,040 --> 00:08:34,159 let alone all the other expenses. 158 00:08:34,240 --> 00:08:37,599 So, yeah, look, I'll do it for 300 bucks an hour. 159 00:08:39,800 --> 00:08:43,919 I mean, we don't really have a choice at this point. Like, we've got to take it. No choice! 160 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:46,999 It's going to need to be a really big, long decline 161 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:49,359 and that's going to costs in the thousands. 162 00:08:50,840 --> 00:08:54,279 The Young Guns want Graeme to dig a decline - 163 00:08:54,360 --> 00:08:56,359 a dirt ramp that will allow them 164 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:59,159 to walk their machines into the mine. 165 00:08:59,240 --> 00:09:01,559 We want to be digging over here and this is where 166 00:09:01,640 --> 00:09:03,839 the X marks the spot one is. 167 00:09:03,920 --> 00:09:05,999 To minimise digging costs, 168 00:09:06,080 --> 00:09:08,879 they're aiming to hit an old vertical shaft, 169 00:09:08,960 --> 00:09:10,959 backfilled with loose dirt, 170 00:09:11,040 --> 00:09:13,039 which should be easier to excavate. 171 00:09:14,080 --> 00:09:16,959 Went underground and plotted a map 172 00:09:17,040 --> 00:09:19,919 of all our drives underground. The drive stops there. 173 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:22,679 You reckon? Yes. If we get down there and find it's like, 174 00:09:22,760 --> 00:09:24,879 you know, five metres somewhere else... 175 00:09:24,960 --> 00:09:27,479 We're spending money for Graeme to come out here. 176 00:09:27,560 --> 00:09:30,999 If it doesn't hit straightaway, then we're in, you know, for a whole lot more. 177 00:09:31,080 --> 00:09:33,559 All right. Righto, guys, what have you got for me? 178 00:09:33,640 --> 00:09:36,719 JC will run you through it. He's done all the measuring. Yeah, we, um... 179 00:09:36,800 --> 00:09:39,119 surveyed underground and it came out 180 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:41,599 exactly right there is the end of the drive. 181 00:09:41,680 --> 00:09:43,759 It all rests on you, JC. 182 00:09:43,840 --> 00:09:46,559 I-I'm like 100% sure 183 00:09:46,640 --> 00:09:48,679 that that's the shaft, it'll break straight in. 184 00:09:48,760 --> 00:09:50,759 Worst case scenario is I'm out 185 00:09:50,840 --> 00:09:54,319 and this decline is going to be completely in the wrong spot. 186 00:09:56,160 --> 00:09:58,639 We've got, um, much bigger stakes this season. 187 00:09:58,720 --> 00:10:01,919 Just having an investor changes the whole game. 188 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:04,639 We need to be pulling out even more opal 189 00:10:04,720 --> 00:10:06,719 just to be covering costs. 190 00:10:25,200 --> 00:10:27,199 JC! 191 00:10:27,280 --> 00:10:30,119 Where's the shaft? Is it not, like, right under here? 192 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:32,879 There's no shaft in that bit of dirt. 193 00:10:32,960 --> 00:10:35,799 That's, like, exactly where we measured to. 194 00:10:35,880 --> 00:10:38,719 If we were playing Battleships, that's a miss! 195 00:10:38,800 --> 00:10:41,159 Like this, this point right here... 196 00:10:42,040 --> 00:10:44,039 ! 197 00:10:44,120 --> 00:10:47,839 Now that there's no shaft there and Graeme's saying to me, 198 00:10:47,920 --> 00:10:50,279 you know, "Where is it, JC?," 199 00:10:50,360 --> 00:10:53,159 I feel like I've this whole thing up for us. 200 00:10:53,240 --> 00:10:56,439 So, what are you 100% sure on? 201 00:10:56,520 --> 00:10:58,759 I don't know how the shaft can't be there. 202 00:11:07,400 --> 00:11:09,399 We're on our way to our claim, 203 00:11:09,480 --> 00:11:12,039 which is about 25 Ks north of the Ridge. 204 00:11:12,120 --> 00:11:15,119 It's called Allawah. We had a nice stone come out 205 00:11:15,200 --> 00:11:17,199 a couple of months ago, 206 00:11:17,280 --> 00:11:19,519 but just absolutely nothing ever since. 207 00:11:19,600 --> 00:11:23,399 So, I've just about had enough of this claim. It's not paying. 208 00:11:23,480 --> 00:11:26,799 Sam's had to, er, take on a few more shifts at the club. 209 00:11:26,880 --> 00:11:28,879 He works as a bartender there. 210 00:11:30,440 --> 00:11:33,319 It puts a strain on his relationship with his partner. 211 00:11:33,400 --> 00:11:36,159 He works all day with me for nothing, 212 00:11:36,240 --> 00:11:40,479 then he's got to go to the pub, you know, straightaway and work till midnight. 213 00:11:42,440 --> 00:11:44,679 Allawah was good to us for a little bit. 214 00:11:44,760 --> 00:11:47,999 It produced a bit of opal, but ever since then, 215 00:11:48,080 --> 00:11:51,079 it's just gone dead. If we get another good hit, 216 00:11:51,160 --> 00:11:53,999 he might even be able to, you know, quit his other job. 217 00:11:55,560 --> 00:11:57,959 Righty-o, I'll see you down there. Yeah. 218 00:11:58,040 --> 00:12:00,799 NARRATOR: After three months without a payday, 219 00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:04,239 Pete Cooke and Sam Westra are on the verge of abandoning 220 00:12:04,320 --> 00:12:06,839 their 50 square metre Allawah claim - 221 00:12:06,920 --> 00:12:10,399 a mine they've worked for the last two years. 222 00:12:10,480 --> 00:12:12,479 We're over digging dead dirt 223 00:12:12,560 --> 00:12:14,559 and just pouring the diesel into it. 224 00:12:14,640 --> 00:12:16,639 So, we've come down here just to see 225 00:12:16,720 --> 00:12:19,799 if we can't fluke a bit before we try something new. 226 00:12:21,400 --> 00:12:25,159 Halfway through the season, they've found 49,000 227 00:12:25,240 --> 00:12:27,959 of their $100,000 season target. 228 00:12:28,040 --> 00:12:31,879 Started off pretty good, but it's just gone quiet. 229 00:12:31,960 --> 00:12:34,639 We need it to change. We've got to turn it around. 230 00:12:34,720 --> 00:12:37,559 Most of their $49,000 find 231 00:12:37,640 --> 00:12:41,279 has been poured into growing their mega wash plant operation, 232 00:12:41,360 --> 00:12:44,079 in the hope of processing dirt from other miners 233 00:12:44,160 --> 00:12:46,559 for a percentage of any opal found. 234 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:51,679 But the return on investment to date...zero. 235 00:12:51,760 --> 00:12:54,119 You sort of wonder what you're doing sometimes, 236 00:12:54,200 --> 00:12:56,359 just keep throwing money after it. 237 00:12:57,320 --> 00:13:00,439 The digger just went off. 238 00:13:01,640 --> 00:13:03,639 I'll go up and have a look. 239 00:13:03,720 --> 00:13:06,039 Our power supply is, um, playing up. 240 00:13:06,120 --> 00:13:08,679 Residual current device is tripping out. 241 00:13:08,760 --> 00:13:10,839 Sam's just resetting it. 242 00:13:10,920 --> 00:13:14,679 There must be a short somewhere because it won't stay on. 243 00:13:16,400 --> 00:13:19,079 Can't go mining until we fix it, basically. 244 00:13:20,320 --> 00:13:22,799 Right. 245 00:13:23,880 --> 00:13:25,919 If the three phase isn't working, 246 00:13:26,000 --> 00:13:27,999 that's the end of mining for today. 247 00:13:30,520 --> 00:13:32,639 No, something's broken. 248 00:13:32,720 --> 00:13:34,719 OK. 249 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:37,959 That's it. I've had enough of this. We'll go to another claim, mate. 250 00:13:38,040 --> 00:13:40,759 We've got that open cut in town that I want to try. Yeah. 251 00:13:40,840 --> 00:13:42,839 This ain't playing the game. 252 00:13:42,920 --> 00:13:45,479 It just shows you how a small problem can just... 253 00:13:45,560 --> 00:13:47,559 wreck your whole day. 254 00:13:55,480 --> 00:13:58,719 Yeah, it's busted that boot clean in half, Les. 255 00:13:58,800 --> 00:14:01,199 Yeah, yeah. Clean in half. 256 00:14:03,360 --> 00:14:07,879 Rod and Les have suffered a critical breakdown on their two-tonne digger. 257 00:14:07,960 --> 00:14:11,199 Well, that's not something I just have laying around, Les. 258 00:14:11,280 --> 00:14:13,279 It's not. 259 00:14:13,360 --> 00:14:16,879 Those teeth go into what we call boots that hold them in there. 260 00:14:16,960 --> 00:14:19,199 We've had that much pressure on the tooth 261 00:14:19,280 --> 00:14:21,519 that it's broken one of the boots in half. 262 00:14:23,480 --> 00:14:26,439 Les! Watch those fingers, Les! Watch your fingers! 263 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:28,639 Ohhh! Yeah, nearly broke two of them. 264 00:14:28,720 --> 00:14:32,039 Well, you've got... That's why they give you five of them. 265 00:14:32,120 --> 00:14:35,879 Oh, you ! Ohhh! ! 266 00:14:35,960 --> 00:14:39,599 You old ! You done that deliberate. Ohhh! 267 00:14:39,680 --> 00:14:42,319 Where did you get it caught? tooth dropped on it. 268 00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:44,879 Whole thing. 269 00:14:44,960 --> 00:14:48,119 It'll be up to Les to fix the digger tooth. 270 00:14:49,640 --> 00:14:52,239 With 40 years experience as a rigger 271 00:14:52,320 --> 00:14:55,439 and 20 years spent collecting scrap at his yard, 272 00:14:55,520 --> 00:14:58,399 he's the ideal man for the job. 273 00:14:58,480 --> 00:15:01,839 Last time you had that welder going here, 274 00:15:01,920 --> 00:15:04,759 it didn't end up real good, mate, so... It didn't. 275 00:15:04,840 --> 00:15:06,879 Do not blow yourself up. 276 00:15:08,040 --> 00:15:10,039 At the end of last season, 277 00:15:10,120 --> 00:15:12,159 Les suffered third-degree burns 278 00:15:12,240 --> 00:15:15,559 when a welding spark ignited a petrol cannister. 279 00:15:15,640 --> 00:15:18,279 I've got nothing around here to blow myself up with. 280 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:20,359 Yeah? Oh, that's good. 281 00:15:20,440 --> 00:15:22,439 I learnt me lesson. 282 00:15:23,520 --> 00:15:26,839 While you're doing this, you know how Amanda has been annoying us 283 00:15:26,920 --> 00:15:30,479 to go and get a goat for the sausages? Yeah. 284 00:15:30,560 --> 00:15:33,159 I might go and try and roll a goat 285 00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:35,959 while you're doing this, eh? Yeah, righto. Yeah. 286 00:15:36,040 --> 00:15:38,719 Not a problem. All right, mate. Righto, catch you. 287 00:15:39,920 --> 00:15:42,879 Living 70 kilometres from the nearest shop, 288 00:15:42,960 --> 00:15:46,079 Rod supplements his meagre food supplies with goat - 289 00:15:46,160 --> 00:15:48,599 a feral pest introduced to Australia 290 00:15:48,680 --> 00:15:51,199 over 200 years ago. 291 00:15:51,280 --> 00:15:53,919 You live in the middle of nowhere, you know, like it's... 292 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:56,479 it's hard to get meat and stuff like that. 293 00:15:56,560 --> 00:16:00,279 And there's heap of it running around out here. 294 00:16:00,360 --> 00:16:03,399 I don't enjoy killing things, but... 295 00:16:03,480 --> 00:16:05,639 I do enjoy eating. 296 00:16:13,800 --> 00:16:15,799 Right through there. 297 00:16:16,800 --> 00:16:18,799 Sweet. 298 00:16:28,840 --> 00:16:30,839 You ! 299 00:16:39,400 --> 00:16:42,679 We could be looking just in... in this area here. 300 00:16:42,760 --> 00:16:46,359 JC has measured underground and tried to transfer it to the surface, 301 00:16:46,440 --> 00:16:48,719 but, you know, when we're scratching the top off, 302 00:16:48,800 --> 00:16:51,639 we're not finding the shaft he's claiming is there, you know? 303 00:16:51,720 --> 00:16:54,399 So, we might have to do a bit of a quick remeasure, 304 00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:58,039 just use a different technique. Usually that will get us close enough. 305 00:16:58,120 --> 00:17:00,119 measurements. 306 00:17:00,200 --> 00:17:02,639 NARRATOR: Based on JC's calculations, 307 00:17:02,720 --> 00:17:06,999 the Young Guns have been paying mentor Graeme $300 an hour 308 00:17:07,080 --> 00:17:09,079 to dig in the wrong spot. 309 00:17:09,160 --> 00:17:11,679 Righty-o! Coming. 310 00:17:11,760 --> 00:17:15,199 They're trying to cut a 14-metre decline 311 00:17:15,280 --> 00:17:17,279 into their new mine. 312 00:17:17,360 --> 00:17:20,119 Basically, where's my straight line? 313 00:17:20,200 --> 00:17:22,559 You know, I'm certain that I've measured it right. 314 00:17:22,640 --> 00:17:24,639 I don't know what this could be. 315 00:17:24,720 --> 00:17:26,879 What I need is for you to... 316 00:17:27,920 --> 00:17:29,919 ..put your light on that there. 317 00:17:30,000 --> 00:17:32,279 When you go up? Yeah, I'm going to go up. 318 00:17:32,360 --> 00:17:34,919 And line it up from the top. 319 00:17:38,280 --> 00:17:41,119 The old school method, just pace it out by feet. 320 00:17:44,880 --> 00:17:46,879 Well... 321 00:17:46,960 --> 00:17:49,519 yeah, we're a little bit off. Where's the point? 322 00:17:49,600 --> 00:17:51,599 Not where you said. 323 00:17:53,040 --> 00:17:55,079 According to Graeme, 324 00:17:55,160 --> 00:17:57,999 JC is two metres too far south. 325 00:17:59,040 --> 00:18:02,039 Their target is an old vertical shaft. 326 00:18:03,240 --> 00:18:05,239 Backfilled with loose dirt, 327 00:18:05,320 --> 00:18:08,359 it should be easier to dig and connect directly 328 00:18:08,440 --> 00:18:10,439 to their underground mine. 329 00:18:12,600 --> 00:18:14,599 Oh, we've broken through! 330 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:19,639 That must be it, then. 331 00:18:19,720 --> 00:18:23,119 Whoo! Breakthrough! 332 00:18:25,480 --> 00:18:28,679 Not going to take too much longer to get the rest of it done. 333 00:18:33,400 --> 00:18:35,959 Oh! Oi! 334 00:18:36,040 --> 00:18:39,919 Oi! Oh, for sake! 335 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:42,799 Oh, looks like we've just done a hose, by the look of it. 336 00:18:42,880 --> 00:18:45,239 A lot of oil. 337 00:18:45,320 --> 00:18:47,719 I mean, that's probably just wrecked a day. 338 00:18:47,800 --> 00:18:49,799 How's that happened? 339 00:18:49,880 --> 00:18:51,879 I mean, if it's a hose, 340 00:18:51,960 --> 00:18:55,159 I mean, we could be down for a week out here. 341 00:19:06,840 --> 00:19:08,839 ! 342 00:19:10,120 --> 00:19:13,359 NARRATOR: On the hunt for wild goat to stock his pantry... 343 00:19:13,440 --> 00:19:15,439 Dud bullet. 344 00:19:15,520 --> 00:19:17,959 ..Bushmen Rod Manning's list of breakdowns 345 00:19:18,040 --> 00:19:20,039 now extends to his rifle. 346 00:19:21,720 --> 00:19:23,879 Misfiring all the time doesn't help. 347 00:19:23,960 --> 00:19:26,359 Firing pin is not contacting properly. 348 00:19:29,680 --> 00:19:32,559 Oh, for sake. 349 00:19:51,800 --> 00:19:54,359 They're good, eh? Yeah. 350 00:19:54,440 --> 00:19:57,679 Goat curry with sweet chilli. Oh, you ripper! 351 00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:01,199 Well, who'd ever thought you'd be here making 352 00:20:01,280 --> 00:20:04,559 bloody goat sausages, girl? I know. Eh? 353 00:20:04,640 --> 00:20:07,919 Life is definitely different now than what it was when I was younger. 354 00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:10,559 Until they met 23 years ago, 355 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:13,239 Rod's wife Amanda lived a world away 356 00:20:13,320 --> 00:20:15,319 from the opal fields. 357 00:20:15,400 --> 00:20:18,359 My parents were, um, motel managers and resort managers. 358 00:20:18,440 --> 00:20:20,959 Gone from personal chefs to... 359 00:20:21,040 --> 00:20:23,159 Wasn't a personal chef, Rod. 360 00:20:23,240 --> 00:20:26,559 Did you or did you not have a chef? Yeah, my dad. No! 361 00:20:27,560 --> 00:20:30,839 Her parents thought she'd probably marry a... 362 00:20:30,920 --> 00:20:33,599 a millionaire or a... 363 00:20:33,680 --> 00:20:35,679 you know, someone important. 364 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:40,039 When we got together, I guess it was a bit of a shock for everyone, 365 00:20:40,120 --> 00:20:42,639 you know, cos, like, Amanda was very much 366 00:20:42,720 --> 00:20:44,839 a city girl back then. 367 00:20:44,920 --> 00:20:48,479 And when I first came out here, they were a lot of things I didn't like. 368 00:20:48,560 --> 00:20:51,439 See, I grew up with toilets inside, not out. 369 00:20:52,480 --> 00:20:55,319 Yeah, I used to go down the mine with Rod all the time. 370 00:20:56,760 --> 00:20:58,879 We work good together. Yeah. You know? 371 00:20:58,960 --> 00:21:01,759 I'm sure she's probably the best wife I've ever had! 372 00:21:08,320 --> 00:21:11,439 The old fella's got us out of trouble yet again. 373 00:21:11,520 --> 00:21:14,279 NARRATOR: Thanks to Les' supply of scrap metal, 374 00:21:14,360 --> 00:21:17,559 he's welded a new boot for the digger's claw. 375 00:21:17,640 --> 00:21:19,799 Very good. Looks all right, too. 376 00:21:19,880 --> 00:21:21,879 Yeah, ready to go back underground. 377 00:21:23,240 --> 00:21:26,559 We've sort of got the old fella heading in the right direction now 378 00:21:26,640 --> 00:21:29,199 to be able to retire. 379 00:21:29,280 --> 00:21:31,319 So, we've just got to keep on digging, 380 00:21:31,400 --> 00:21:33,399 just got to find it for him. 381 00:21:33,480 --> 00:21:35,479 Righto, Les. That's it, mate. 382 00:21:35,560 --> 00:21:39,119 Right, crank her up. Let's get in and find out fortune, mate. 383 00:21:39,200 --> 00:21:41,239 You ready? Yeah, mate. 384 00:21:47,080 --> 00:21:49,119 Man, that's hard. 385 00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:05,359 Good to see, mate. We'll be, er, digging some gems in no time. 386 00:22:05,440 --> 00:22:07,439 That's it. 387 00:22:09,440 --> 00:22:11,719 NARRATOR: Desperate for a change of luck, 388 00:22:11,800 --> 00:22:14,279 Pete and Sam have ditched their Allawah claim 389 00:22:14,360 --> 00:22:16,359 for one of Pete's other leases - 390 00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:18,919 a 100-year-old open cut mine 391 00:22:19,000 --> 00:22:21,439 four kilometres from Lightning Ridge. 392 00:22:21,520 --> 00:22:25,079 Hopefully, our luck changes and we can actually move some dirt. 393 00:22:27,040 --> 00:22:30,399 But open cut mining requires heavy machinery, 394 00:22:30,480 --> 00:22:32,559 with high running costs. 395 00:22:32,640 --> 00:22:35,799 The area is called Old Nobbys and they've been mining here 396 00:22:35,880 --> 00:22:38,439 for over 100 years. And a lot of good opal 397 00:22:38,520 --> 00:22:40,919 came from this area, but it's mined out. 398 00:22:42,760 --> 00:22:45,799 It's too dangerous to go underground, so the only option now 399 00:22:45,880 --> 00:22:48,559 is to dig down through all the old workings and, um, 400 00:22:48,640 --> 00:22:50,879 see if the old timers left us anything. 401 00:22:55,080 --> 00:22:59,079 We're just going on spec. We don't know there's opal there. 402 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:01,399 Of course, I'm hopeful. You've got to be hopeful 403 00:23:01,480 --> 00:23:03,879 or you wouldn't bloody even do it. 404 00:23:03,960 --> 00:23:05,959 We've got a 32-tonne excavator here 405 00:23:06,040 --> 00:23:09,679 with what we call a sieving bucket on it, or a skeleton bucket. 406 00:23:09,760 --> 00:23:11,839 So, it's got large holes in it 407 00:23:11,920 --> 00:23:14,799 to let the dirt through, but keep the real big rocks 408 00:23:14,880 --> 00:23:16,879 inside the bucket. 409 00:23:16,960 --> 00:23:21,199 We want to avoid the big clumps and this has the perfect attachment to do that. 410 00:23:23,200 --> 00:23:25,799 The mined earth has been exposed for decades 411 00:23:25,880 --> 00:23:29,399 to the intense 40-degree temperatures, baking it hard. 412 00:23:29,480 --> 00:23:31,999 The bigger the rock, the harder it is to clean 413 00:23:32,080 --> 00:23:34,239 in their agitator wash plant. 414 00:23:34,320 --> 00:23:38,399 We just want the nice 50 mil downsize material 415 00:23:38,480 --> 00:23:40,919 and that should wash pretty easy through our agi. 416 00:23:43,040 --> 00:23:46,599 Once sifted, the finer dirt is loaded into the truck 417 00:23:46,680 --> 00:23:48,679 with the regular bucket. 418 00:23:48,760 --> 00:23:51,959 Nice and quick. We do two loads in a couple of hours, 419 00:23:52,040 --> 00:23:54,839 instead of mining where you'd get one load in a day. 420 00:23:56,360 --> 00:23:58,919 Really hoping there's some gems in it 421 00:23:59,000 --> 00:24:01,079 and our luck changes a bit 422 00:24:01,160 --> 00:24:03,279 and we can walk away with a few dollars. 423 00:24:05,480 --> 00:24:08,559 What's that in there, Pete? An old drive, I think. 424 00:24:08,640 --> 00:24:11,399 Yeah? Let's have a look. 425 00:24:12,400 --> 00:24:16,039 Yeah, an old belly drive, mate, broken through in here. 426 00:24:16,120 --> 00:24:19,919 Yeah. She's a little bit... little bit risky, but... 427 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:22,919 Well, you can have a quick look, I suppose. 428 00:24:25,080 --> 00:24:28,439 Well, these are the old drives that the old timers dug. 429 00:24:28,520 --> 00:24:31,839 Er, they call them belly drives for a very good reason - 430 00:24:31,920 --> 00:24:34,079 they're crawling around on their bellies. 431 00:24:34,160 --> 00:24:36,559 They've done a hell of a lot of work in there. 432 00:24:40,080 --> 00:24:42,079 Oh, yeah, look at this. 433 00:24:44,400 --> 00:24:48,079 Oh, what have you got there? An old pair of opal snips, mate. 434 00:24:48,160 --> 00:24:50,839 Bloody hell! Look at the rust on 'em! 435 00:24:50,920 --> 00:24:53,519 Look at this, an old spider! 436 00:24:53,600 --> 00:24:56,439 A what? Spider. 437 00:24:56,520 --> 00:24:59,679 They'd poke it in the wall, like that. Yeah. 438 00:24:59,760 --> 00:25:02,159 And a little candle there, and that's... 439 00:25:02,240 --> 00:25:04,439 that's all the melted wax. Look at that. 440 00:25:04,520 --> 00:25:08,439 Tough old buggers in them days, mate. They really earnt their opal. Yeah. 441 00:25:08,520 --> 00:25:10,799 I don't want to go in any further. It's a bit... No. 442 00:25:10,880 --> 00:25:13,679 Bit dodgy, mate, a bit dangerous. I think, um... 443 00:25:13,760 --> 00:25:16,319 I think we'll just use the machine from here. Yeah. 444 00:25:24,520 --> 00:25:26,719 I can feel it's damaged just there. 445 00:25:26,800 --> 00:25:29,279 The hose is split. It's a bloody nuisance. 446 00:25:30,320 --> 00:25:33,039 NARRATOR: Beset with problems at their new mine, 447 00:25:33,120 --> 00:25:36,079 the Young Guns' $300 an hour excavator 448 00:25:36,160 --> 00:25:38,679 has just blown a hydraulic hose. 449 00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:43,279 We're so close now. Like, we've broken through into the drive. 450 00:25:43,360 --> 00:25:45,639 We're pretty much ready to, you know, rip it back 451 00:25:45,720 --> 00:25:48,879 and get the ramp down there, so we can get all our gear underground. 452 00:25:48,960 --> 00:25:51,639 And then just to have this curve ball thrown at us. 453 00:25:53,040 --> 00:25:56,279 RON DOWTON : Yeah? How you going? OK. 454 00:25:56,360 --> 00:26:00,479 I've actually just blown a hose on the excavator. Um... Oh, Jesus! 455 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:02,959 It's only an auxiliary hose, so it's doing nothing. 456 00:26:03,040 --> 00:26:05,519 So, I reckon you should be able to fix it for us. 457 00:26:06,720 --> 00:26:09,959 Five kilometres away, back in White Cliffs... 458 00:26:10,040 --> 00:26:12,519 ..Graeme's father 459 00:26:12,600 --> 00:26:14,599 and Jaymin's grandfather Pop 460 00:26:14,680 --> 00:26:17,279 is a 47-year opal mining veteran 461 00:26:17,360 --> 00:26:19,559 and expert on bush repairs. 462 00:26:19,640 --> 00:26:22,999 Like a little metal plate to sit in over the top of that. 463 00:26:23,080 --> 00:26:27,199 We better put a bit of a nipple on it and locate it so it stays in the middle. That'd be a good idea. 464 00:26:27,280 --> 00:26:29,839 He's got all the equipment for doing just such a job. 465 00:26:29,920 --> 00:26:33,119 Take that in your hot little hand and I'll make room. 466 00:26:35,080 --> 00:26:38,359 The leak is in a backup auxiliary hose. 467 00:26:38,440 --> 00:26:40,759 Well, I hope this works. 468 00:26:40,840 --> 00:26:43,919 Graeme's solution is to bypass the hose 469 00:26:44,000 --> 00:26:45,999 with a simple plug. 470 00:26:46,080 --> 00:26:48,519 Oh, look at that. Like as if it was made for it, isn't it? 471 00:26:48,600 --> 00:26:51,159 We'll be working again in half an hour, 20 minutes. 472 00:26:51,240 --> 00:26:53,759 Thanks, Dad! See you, Pop! Thanks heaps, Pop. 473 00:26:54,960 --> 00:26:58,039 Oh, looking good. I mean, that's just fitted up nicely. 474 00:27:00,240 --> 00:27:02,239 It seems to be holding. 475 00:27:05,760 --> 00:27:08,799 After all the dramas we've had so far this season with breakdowns 476 00:27:08,880 --> 00:27:11,759 and things going wrong, it was good to see something get fixed 477 00:27:11,840 --> 00:27:13,839 the same day it was broken. 478 00:27:20,000 --> 00:27:22,319 There you go, boys! There we go! 479 00:27:22,400 --> 00:27:24,919 She's all done. Whoo! 480 00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:28,119 NARRATOR: The decline has taken five hours to dig 481 00:27:28,200 --> 00:27:31,319 and cost the Young Guns $1,500. 482 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:33,999 But the excavator arm isn't long enough 483 00:27:34,080 --> 00:27:36,359 to dig out the final section. 484 00:27:36,440 --> 00:27:40,159 That needs to be at least seven-eight foot deeper. 485 00:27:41,440 --> 00:27:44,839 It's left to the boys to finish the job with hand tools. 486 00:27:47,320 --> 00:27:49,319 It's been a massive day for everyone. 487 00:27:49,400 --> 00:27:52,479 We're not really moving as fast as we'd like to. 488 00:27:52,560 --> 00:27:54,599 I'm not really sure what we're going to do, 489 00:27:54,680 --> 00:27:57,879 but we need to come up with a different strategy tomorrow. 490 00:28:13,600 --> 00:28:16,079 The area that Pete's pegged this new claim 491 00:28:16,160 --> 00:28:18,159 is a really good old area. 492 00:28:19,320 --> 00:28:22,839 The old time miners were only mining with a pick and a candle, 493 00:28:22,920 --> 00:28:25,479 so there could be a lot of opal they've missed. 494 00:28:27,240 --> 00:28:31,319 I really need a pay day to keep the spirits up. 495 00:28:31,400 --> 00:28:35,119 I hope to get three trucks into the agi today. That's my plan. 496 00:28:36,560 --> 00:28:40,239 We need to find a bit of opal. Um, it's been a long time 497 00:28:40,320 --> 00:28:42,519 between drinks. 498 00:28:42,600 --> 00:28:45,319 Pretty excited about tailing it all out. 499 00:28:48,920 --> 00:28:50,919 NARRATOR: Designed and built by Pete, 500 00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:53,639 the mega wash plant has a drive over hopper 501 00:28:53,720 --> 00:28:55,879 connecting to a moveable conveyor belt 502 00:28:55,960 --> 00:28:57,959 which carries the mined dirt 503 00:28:58,040 --> 00:29:00,119 to the waiting agitators. 504 00:29:00,200 --> 00:29:02,759 It's not working! Not working? 505 00:29:02,840 --> 00:29:05,359 The motor's running. I need you to have a look. 506 00:29:08,880 --> 00:29:10,879 Whoa! 507 00:29:10,960 --> 00:29:13,199 Yeah, it's jamming. 508 00:29:13,280 --> 00:29:16,799 Belt's not going around. This is ridiculous. 509 00:29:16,880 --> 00:29:18,919 It should just work. It's been working. 510 00:29:19,000 --> 00:29:21,999 If we can't get this fixed, I'll have to shovel 511 00:29:22,080 --> 00:29:24,119 all three trucks out. 512 00:29:25,640 --> 00:29:28,079 All right, we've got some of this, mate. 513 00:29:28,160 --> 00:29:32,639 A spray on adhesive should give the rubber belt more grip. 514 00:29:32,720 --> 00:29:36,599 The dirt's built up, the dust has built up underneath 515 00:29:36,680 --> 00:29:39,079 the roller and stopping it going around. 516 00:29:43,640 --> 00:29:45,679 Yes! Thank God! 517 00:29:47,200 --> 00:29:49,599 That's better. That's how it should work. 518 00:29:52,920 --> 00:29:55,839 We should be about to have the third truck going in by now. 519 00:29:55,920 --> 00:29:57,919 We're still on the first one. 520 00:29:59,000 --> 00:30:02,719 Now to feed the agis with 60 tonnes of mined earth, 521 00:30:02,800 --> 00:30:05,159 15 tonnes at a time - 522 00:30:05,240 --> 00:30:08,759 the exact same dirt that started an opal boom 523 00:30:08,840 --> 00:30:10,839 100 years ago. 524 00:30:11,760 --> 00:30:13,839 I've got high hopes for it, but... 525 00:30:13,920 --> 00:30:15,959 we won't know until we have a look. 526 00:30:28,560 --> 00:30:30,839 Whoa, whoa! 527 00:30:30,920 --> 00:30:34,679 That looks a good piece. It's got red and everything in it. 528 00:30:34,760 --> 00:30:37,959 NARRATOR: With their digger repaired, the Bushmen have finally hit 529 00:30:38,040 --> 00:30:40,199 promising opal trace. 530 00:30:40,280 --> 00:30:43,199 This one is going to tell us whether we're rich or not. 531 00:30:46,960 --> 00:30:48,959 Oh, hey! 532 00:30:49,040 --> 00:30:51,039 Oh, Les, Les, Les! 533 00:30:51,120 --> 00:30:54,559 It come... It come through? I think it's going to happen for us. 534 00:31:01,200 --> 00:31:03,199 Oh! 535 00:31:03,280 --> 00:31:05,319 Look at that! 536 00:31:05,400 --> 00:31:09,079 Look at the golds and the reds! 537 00:31:09,160 --> 00:31:11,319 Haven't seen a piece that good for a long time. 538 00:31:11,400 --> 00:31:13,679 There's got to be a couple of grand in that, Les. 539 00:31:13,760 --> 00:31:15,839 Let's hope it continues, Les! 540 00:31:15,920 --> 00:31:17,919 Because it's big and it's cheesy! 541 00:31:21,520 --> 00:31:23,999 Whoa, whoa! Oh! 542 00:31:24,080 --> 00:31:27,839 I think you dropped a heap of stuff on the ground here, mate. Eh? 543 00:31:27,920 --> 00:31:30,639 Colour! Oh, there's a bit, look! 544 00:31:30,720 --> 00:31:32,879 Oh, yeah! Look at that! Oh, that's all right. 545 00:31:32,960 --> 00:31:34,959 Ooh, there's another bit! 546 00:31:35,040 --> 00:31:37,759 Pickle me grandmother, Les! Look at it! Yeah. 547 00:31:37,840 --> 00:31:41,719 Whoa! Ha-ha! That's good colour. 548 00:31:41,800 --> 00:31:45,079 I tell you what, Les, when you look in this bucket, 549 00:31:45,160 --> 00:31:47,759 I reckon there'd have to be... 550 00:31:47,840 --> 00:31:50,159 between 12 and 15 grand, wouldn't you? 551 00:31:50,240 --> 00:31:53,079 I'd reckon, yes, because that's worth a fair bit there. 552 00:31:53,160 --> 00:31:56,439 I know Brian's kicking about. I might see if he's interested in this, eh? 553 00:31:56,520 --> 00:31:58,999 OK, yeah. That sounds all right, yeah. 554 00:31:59,080 --> 00:32:01,159 We're pretty low on money, 555 00:32:01,240 --> 00:32:03,319 so that pocket just come in time. 556 00:32:06,120 --> 00:32:09,039 NARRATOR: Keen for a quick sale, the Bushmen arrange to meet 557 00:32:09,120 --> 00:32:11,359 local buyer Brian Gray. 558 00:32:12,880 --> 00:32:14,879 How are you blokes going? Hey, Brian. 559 00:32:14,960 --> 00:32:17,359 Brian does also do a bit of mining himself. 560 00:32:17,440 --> 00:32:19,479 But he got busted up pretty bad 561 00:32:19,560 --> 00:32:21,799 in a quad bike accident. 562 00:32:21,880 --> 00:32:25,159 So, he's not been able to mine for a couple of years 563 00:32:25,240 --> 00:32:27,239 or do anything. 564 00:32:27,320 --> 00:32:29,479 All he does is buys and sells, 565 00:32:29,560 --> 00:32:32,639 put it on the wheel and polish it up, and resell it. 566 00:32:34,760 --> 00:32:38,439 Rod and Les have crystal opal in the rough. 567 00:32:38,520 --> 00:32:40,519 Its colours are varied 568 00:32:40,600 --> 00:32:42,599 with attractive reds and yellows. 569 00:32:42,680 --> 00:32:45,879 Its weight, 650 grams. 570 00:32:45,960 --> 00:32:50,039 Oh, geez, I'd have to have 14-15 grand for them, so... 571 00:32:50,120 --> 00:32:52,439 Their partnership deal will see them 572 00:32:52,520 --> 00:32:54,959 get 50% of the sale. 573 00:32:55,040 --> 00:32:57,239 Negotiating with opal buyers 574 00:32:57,320 --> 00:32:59,359 is pretty much always the same. 575 00:32:59,440 --> 00:33:02,559 They're thieving that want everything for nothing. 576 00:33:02,640 --> 00:33:05,039 That's why I've got my lucky selling hat on. 577 00:33:06,200 --> 00:33:09,359 Surprise me. How much... How much money are you thinking 578 00:33:09,440 --> 00:33:11,799 of getting out of this, er... 579 00:33:11,880 --> 00:33:14,559 $22,000. Oh, really? 580 00:33:14,640 --> 00:33:16,639 And, of course, you're a good fella. 581 00:33:17,840 --> 00:33:20,479 I'm at about eight. Come on now, let's... 582 00:33:20,560 --> 00:33:22,799 Let's get a bit fair dinkum here. 583 00:33:22,880 --> 00:33:24,879 It's me you're talking to. 584 00:33:24,960 --> 00:33:27,599 Look at pieces like that. Look at the colour in that. 585 00:33:27,680 --> 00:33:29,679 I'll come down to 20. 586 00:33:29,760 --> 00:33:32,399 Work with me here. 587 00:33:32,480 --> 00:33:34,919 You know, like... What do you reckon, Les? 588 00:33:35,000 --> 00:33:37,799 18, Les? You happy to get 18? 589 00:33:38,720 --> 00:33:40,879 Yeah, that doesn't sound too bad. 590 00:33:40,960 --> 00:33:44,039 18 and that's it. I'm not going any lower, so... 591 00:33:44,120 --> 00:33:46,839 Will you take a cheque? No! 592 00:33:46,920 --> 00:33:48,919 No. No way! 593 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:51,439 Say 16? No, let's say 18. 594 00:33:54,000 --> 00:33:57,279 They're all right. Right, 18? 18. 595 00:33:57,360 --> 00:34:00,479 Good on you. Les. No problem, mate. 596 00:34:00,560 --> 00:34:02,959 I didn't think we was going to get that much. 597 00:34:03,040 --> 00:34:07,159 I thought a few bucks less. But no, 18 grand was good. 598 00:34:07,240 --> 00:34:09,759 It's a special deal this week. 599 00:34:09,840 --> 00:34:12,839 There's some sausages for you. Some sausages, as well? 600 00:34:12,920 --> 00:34:15,079 Goat sausages. Wild goat sausages, mate. 601 00:34:15,160 --> 00:34:17,599 Jesus Christ. Wild goat sausages. 602 00:34:17,680 --> 00:34:20,319 All right, mate. Not a problem, mate. 603 00:34:20,400 --> 00:34:22,679 Thank you for that, and we'll catch you later on. 604 00:34:22,760 --> 00:34:26,399 I got a little bit more than I wanted, so I was real happy with it. 605 00:34:26,480 --> 00:34:29,359 Les and Rod's share of $9,000 606 00:34:29,440 --> 00:34:32,279 brings their total, at the season's halfway mark, 607 00:34:32,360 --> 00:34:34,719 to just over $50,000. 608 00:34:34,800 --> 00:34:37,879 Just going to keep us floating for a little bit longer, 609 00:34:37,960 --> 00:34:41,359 but we're...we're pushing hard to find that big pocket. 610 00:34:41,440 --> 00:34:44,479 That's getting better! 611 00:34:44,560 --> 00:34:46,999 I want to send Les off all right, you know? 612 00:34:47,080 --> 00:34:50,279 He's got to be starting to take it easy. 613 00:34:51,280 --> 00:34:54,039 It's there somewhere, and we'll get it. 614 00:35:03,200 --> 00:35:05,279 All right, boys. 615 00:35:05,360 --> 00:35:09,399 Here we go. Well, we've got a lot left to do. 616 00:35:09,480 --> 00:35:12,999 NARRATOR: Still struggling to open up access to their new claim, 617 00:35:13,080 --> 00:35:16,879 the Young Guns have been unable to mine all week. 618 00:35:16,960 --> 00:35:19,679 We need to find something, otherwise we're throwing money 619 00:35:19,760 --> 00:35:21,759 into this hole and not seeing any reward. 620 00:35:21,840 --> 00:35:24,159 There's some trace we can at least start digging, 621 00:35:24,240 --> 00:35:26,359 keep us all running for the next couple of days 622 00:35:26,440 --> 00:35:29,279 while we dig out this bloody ramp. Well, let's go. Let's do it. 623 00:35:29,360 --> 00:35:33,319 The entrance to the mine is only big enough carry in hand tools. 624 00:35:33,400 --> 00:35:35,399 Bloody jackhammers again. 625 00:35:35,480 --> 00:35:38,999 The plan is for JC and Noah to start hunting opal... 626 00:35:40,080 --> 00:35:44,239 ..while Jaymin keeps opening up the decline access ramp. 627 00:35:44,320 --> 00:35:46,399 We've really got no other options. 628 00:35:46,480 --> 00:35:48,879 We need to see this mine paying us back a little bit. 629 00:35:48,960 --> 00:35:50,999 Yeah, mate. Oh! 630 00:35:52,400 --> 00:35:54,519 When we knew the other mine was finished up, 631 00:35:54,600 --> 00:35:57,119 we started scouting out other areas. 632 00:35:57,200 --> 00:36:00,039 Um, this was one of the mines that we ended up coming into, 633 00:36:00,120 --> 00:36:02,199 to see if it had potential, and... 634 00:36:02,280 --> 00:36:04,839 we found opal trace all through the walls. 635 00:36:04,920 --> 00:36:06,919 Right here. Look at that. 636 00:36:07,000 --> 00:36:09,319 Hopefully, this is the one that turns big. 637 00:36:22,720 --> 00:36:25,519 What's wrong? There. 638 00:36:25,600 --> 00:36:27,599 You got a bit? Yeah. 639 00:36:28,920 --> 00:36:31,399 Ooh! A little bit of flash, bit thicker. 640 00:36:31,480 --> 00:36:33,479 Yeah. 641 00:36:40,200 --> 00:36:42,199 Holy... 642 00:36:42,280 --> 00:36:44,319 What have you got? Dude, look at that! 643 00:36:44,400 --> 00:36:47,319 What have you got? Glow in the dark or something! 644 00:36:47,400 --> 00:36:49,399 That's like glow in the dark. 645 00:36:53,320 --> 00:36:55,799 Ohhh. 646 00:36:55,880 --> 00:36:58,839 That's a bloody stone right there. 647 00:36:59,880 --> 00:37:02,839 This is the mine. This is the Young Guns' ticket! 648 00:37:02,920 --> 00:37:05,999 What's going on? Are we rich yet? Oh, we're not rich, but... 649 00:37:06,080 --> 00:37:08,119 look at that bit. 650 00:37:08,200 --> 00:37:11,319 It's the best stuff in here so far. That's good. That's a good sign. 651 00:37:11,400 --> 00:37:13,839 Not a lot of value in what they've actually found, 652 00:37:13,920 --> 00:37:17,319 but they've found us the first point on the roadmap to opal. 653 00:37:17,400 --> 00:37:20,039 That's good. We can just move the digger straight in here 654 00:37:20,120 --> 00:37:23,079 as soon as we get that ramp done and just start working. 655 00:37:23,160 --> 00:37:25,439 I'm pretty stoked right now. 656 00:37:25,520 --> 00:37:27,519 This is the spot. 657 00:37:36,000 --> 00:37:38,199 This is the moment of truth. 658 00:37:38,280 --> 00:37:40,599 Come on, baby! 659 00:37:40,680 --> 00:37:43,439 I'm just hoping to see colour everywhere. 660 00:37:46,160 --> 00:37:49,079 From the 100-year-old open cut mine, 661 00:37:49,160 --> 00:37:52,479 Pete and Sam have washed 60 tonnes of opal dirt 662 00:37:52,560 --> 00:37:55,119 down to just four tonnes of stones. 663 00:37:55,200 --> 00:37:57,519 A few bits and pieces of opal come down. 664 00:37:58,720 --> 00:38:01,239 Even this piece might be a cutter. So, that's great. 665 00:38:01,320 --> 00:38:04,759 I can't wait to get this back into town, into our tail-out room. 666 00:38:05,960 --> 00:38:09,039 After three dismal months of losing money, 667 00:38:09,120 --> 00:38:11,519 their entire season could be decided 668 00:38:11,600 --> 00:38:13,959 by what's in these one-tonne bags. 669 00:38:21,720 --> 00:38:24,519 Plenty of material. Just potch everywhere. 670 00:38:26,360 --> 00:38:30,199 Just got to get that big one, mate. Where's the big one? Yeah, exactly. 671 00:38:31,480 --> 00:38:34,399 It's trying. It is. It's trying. Keep looking! 672 00:38:39,320 --> 00:38:42,399 What you got there? Oh! 673 00:38:42,480 --> 00:38:44,719 No, what have you got? Show me! 674 00:38:46,480 --> 00:38:48,919 Ha-ha! Oh, wow. 675 00:38:49,000 --> 00:38:50,999 Look at the red. 676 00:38:51,080 --> 00:38:53,079 There's a gem there, for sure. 677 00:38:53,160 --> 00:38:55,159 That's good. 678 00:38:57,800 --> 00:39:00,719 It's on, mate! It's on! It's on. Oh, look at that! 679 00:39:00,800 --> 00:39:03,599 We're on money, mate. This is fantastic. 680 00:39:03,680 --> 00:39:06,399 Just the start of something. 681 00:39:06,480 --> 00:39:08,599 Hang on. You got another? 682 00:39:08,680 --> 00:39:11,319 I think... I think we've got the granddaddy! Holy... 683 00:39:11,400 --> 00:39:13,479 Oh! Look at that! Whoa! 684 00:39:13,560 --> 00:39:16,039 Look at the size of it! Yeah. 685 00:39:16,120 --> 00:39:19,199 Oh. Look at... Ohhh! 686 00:39:21,200 --> 00:39:23,959 We've got what we call the king stone, 687 00:39:24,040 --> 00:39:26,079 the best stone in our parcel. 688 00:39:26,160 --> 00:39:29,119 And, you know, these come up two or three a lifetime, 689 00:39:29,200 --> 00:39:32,319 if you're lucky. Definitely it'll face this side. Blue side. 690 00:39:32,400 --> 00:39:34,439 Beautiful, big blue stone there. Yeah. 691 00:39:34,520 --> 00:39:36,959 But the other side has got a grey skin over it. 692 00:39:37,040 --> 00:39:40,439 I'm just a bit concerned about that grey... 693 00:39:40,520 --> 00:39:42,759 skin on top. Yeah. 694 00:39:42,840 --> 00:39:45,519 How far down it goes into the colour. Yeah. 695 00:39:45,600 --> 00:39:48,159 It's a bit of a problem, because I reckon 696 00:39:48,240 --> 00:39:52,359 we'll probably get an offer of ten grand or more for it, as it is. 697 00:39:52,440 --> 00:39:56,719 So, that's guaranteed money. Or we risk taking the top off it, 698 00:39:56,800 --> 00:40:00,199 and if it's full of sand or the holes go too deep, 699 00:40:00,280 --> 00:40:03,279 it could turn into just three or four, five grand. 700 00:40:04,960 --> 00:40:07,319 I think I'd rather take the risk, see if I can 701 00:40:07,400 --> 00:40:09,359 get a bit more than that for it. 702 00:40:09,440 --> 00:40:13,279 NARRATOR: To maximise their return, they're turning to Vicki Bokros... 703 00:40:13,360 --> 00:40:16,479 Hi, guys! Hi, Vicki, how you going? ..and Andrew Kemeny, 704 00:40:16,560 --> 00:40:18,639 who buy and cut stones. 705 00:40:18,720 --> 00:40:22,199 Andrew is renowned for his unusual technique 706 00:40:22,280 --> 00:40:24,439 of opal carving in freeform, 707 00:40:24,520 --> 00:40:27,639 using a precision rotary power tool. 708 00:40:27,720 --> 00:40:30,319 So, come and see Andrew, guys. Thank you. 709 00:40:30,400 --> 00:40:32,839 Andrew? Hello! 710 00:40:32,920 --> 00:40:35,959 Pete and Sam are here with some pretty nice opal. 711 00:40:36,040 --> 00:40:39,079 G'day, fellas, how you going? How you going, mate? Good, good. 712 00:40:39,160 --> 00:40:41,159 Let's have a look. 713 00:40:41,240 --> 00:40:45,399 Yeah, so the colour under that cap looks absolutely spectacular. Mm. 714 00:40:45,480 --> 00:40:48,479 And what we need to do is we need to very, very gently 715 00:40:48,560 --> 00:40:51,119 start taking some of that cap off. Yep. 716 00:40:57,360 --> 00:40:59,759 When that stone was getting carved, 717 00:40:59,840 --> 00:41:01,839 I was pretty nervous. 718 00:41:03,240 --> 00:41:06,279 There she comes already. Oh! 719 00:41:06,360 --> 00:41:08,559 I think once he just started revealing 720 00:41:08,640 --> 00:41:11,279 that colour underneath th-that scum, 721 00:41:11,360 --> 00:41:13,359 we just knew it was going to be a gem. 722 00:41:13,440 --> 00:41:15,439 Oh, wow. It's got a... 723 00:41:15,520 --> 00:41:19,079 It's just got amazing sort of those linear lines in there. 724 00:41:19,160 --> 00:41:21,359 They're just stunning. That's the thing. 725 00:41:21,440 --> 00:41:24,559 It's been underground 100 million years. Yeah. Mm. 726 00:41:24,640 --> 00:41:27,039 And if you didn't do that to it, 727 00:41:27,120 --> 00:41:29,119 it would never be seen. 728 00:41:31,880 --> 00:41:34,719 NARRATOR: Partly rubbed, this black opal nobby 729 00:41:34,800 --> 00:41:37,639 weighs nine grams or 45 carats. 730 00:41:37,720 --> 00:41:39,919 It's double-sided, adorned 731 00:41:40,000 --> 00:41:42,359 with brilliant blues and fiery reds - 732 00:41:42,440 --> 00:41:45,559 a rare and highly-prized find. 733 00:41:45,640 --> 00:41:47,639 That's incredible colour. 734 00:41:48,880 --> 00:41:51,759 Wow, some beautiful red! Yeah, yeah. 735 00:41:51,840 --> 00:41:53,839 Yeah, the blue... That's amazing. 736 00:41:53,920 --> 00:41:55,959 The blues on the back of it. Yeah. 737 00:41:56,040 --> 00:41:59,679 45 carats. Yeah, just under 45. Yep. 738 00:41:59,760 --> 00:42:01,759 What are you guys thinking? 739 00:42:02,680 --> 00:42:04,759 3,000 a carat. Yeah, right. 740 00:42:06,200 --> 00:42:09,159 Hope I'm not too cheap. 741 00:42:09,240 --> 00:42:12,039 You're never too cheap, Peter, Sam! 742 00:42:12,120 --> 00:42:14,119 Oh. 743 00:42:19,320 --> 00:42:21,719 Like, I've had a really good look at it. 744 00:42:21,800 --> 00:42:25,799 The best I could offer at this stage would be 55,000 for the piece. 745 00:42:26,920 --> 00:42:29,479 Wow, that's...that's a great offer. 746 00:42:29,560 --> 00:42:32,759 That's good. Yeah. Yep. And then you've got the other parcels. 747 00:42:32,840 --> 00:42:34,839 Yeah, those two there. 748 00:42:34,920 --> 00:42:37,239 One was ten and one was eight. Yeah. Yeah. 749 00:42:37,320 --> 00:42:39,439 You'd be looking at about, um... 750 00:42:39,520 --> 00:42:41,719 73,000 in total. 751 00:42:41,800 --> 00:42:43,799 Yeah. It's been great. Excellent. 752 00:42:43,880 --> 00:42:46,919 Vicki's offer gives a certain $73,000 753 00:42:47,000 --> 00:42:48,999 for this opal parcel, 754 00:42:49,080 --> 00:42:51,679 but Pete is holding off on accepting the offer. 755 00:42:51,760 --> 00:42:53,799 That's just the minimum I'm going to get. 756 00:42:53,880 --> 00:42:55,879 I believe I will get more than that. 757 00:42:55,960 --> 00:42:58,119 Yeah, I'm stoked. I am rapt. 758 00:42:59,600 --> 00:43:01,959 Seeing this sort of quality of material come out 759 00:43:02,040 --> 00:43:04,799 from a new claim, if it keeps producing like this, 760 00:43:04,880 --> 00:43:07,279 the sky's the limit. 761 00:43:07,360 --> 00:43:10,599 If it keeps going like that, I'll be able to retire at 22! 762 00:43:11,960 --> 00:43:15,919 This season we had a target of $100,000. 763 00:43:16,000 --> 00:43:18,759 We've smashed it. We have. We've got... 764 00:43:18,840 --> 00:43:21,119 122, I think. 765 00:43:21,200 --> 00:43:23,199 I'm very, very pleased with that. 766 00:43:23,280 --> 00:43:26,239 Such a buzz being on opal. 767 00:43:26,320 --> 00:43:28,439 It's just the best feeling you can have 768 00:43:28,520 --> 00:43:30,599 with your clothes on, I reckon. 769 00:43:48,600 --> 00:43:50,919 Subtitles by Deluxe 770 00:43:51,000 --> 00:43:52,999 # Money 771 00:43:56,280 --> 00:43:58,279 # Money # 771 00:43:59,305 --> 00:44:59,824 Do you want subtitles for any video? -=[ ai.OpenSubtitles.com ]=-