"Outback Opal Hunters" Episode #6.2

1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:02,999 . 2 00:00:03,080 --> 00:00:07,799 We just hit hard cap with the drill. the sound is almost unbearable. 3 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:10,999 'The team's plan to extract opal through a new hole 4 00:00:11,080 --> 00:00:13,839 hits impenetrable sandstone.' 5 00:00:13,920 --> 00:00:17,119 Aw, . Snapped the bolt clean off it. 6 00:00:17,200 --> 00:00:19,279 That's just blown our day. 7 00:00:21,240 --> 00:00:24,839 You can see how hard it is by hand, we need an excavator. 8 00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:30,639 'Searching for surface opal to pay for a $15,000 excavator, 9 00:00:30,720 --> 00:00:33,799 Opalzilla fails the Blacklighters again.' 10 00:00:33,880 --> 00:00:36,679 If we don't get Opalzilla fixed, we're stuffed. 11 00:00:36,760 --> 00:00:39,639 'And joining the hunt for the first time, 12 00:00:39,720 --> 00:00:43,319 from a family of mining veterans...' Woo! Go, baby. 13 00:00:43,400 --> 00:00:47,439 '..the Opal Whisperers search for a unique and elusive opal.' 14 00:00:47,520 --> 00:00:50,439 Empty. We've got debts. 15 00:00:50,520 --> 00:00:54,239 If we don't bring home the bacon, everything falls over. 16 00:00:54,320 --> 00:00:57,919 Oh, my God, absolutely electric. Woo! 17 00:00:59,000 --> 00:01:05,074 Watch Online Movies and Series for FREE www.osdb.link/lm 18 00:01:20,120 --> 00:01:24,639 It's quite dangerous, checking blind shafts. It is. 19 00:01:24,720 --> 00:01:27,599 You don't know what's going on. Exactly. 20 00:01:27,680 --> 00:01:32,479 We totally appreciate this, it's very, very handy. No worries. 21 00:01:32,560 --> 00:01:35,279 Mark invited me to check this drill shaft, 22 00:01:35,360 --> 00:01:39,279 see if there's any levels, any change in the ground 23 00:01:39,360 --> 00:01:41,559 and whether there's any opals. 24 00:01:41,640 --> 00:01:44,839 'The Blacklighters - Mark, Paul, and John - 25 00:01:44,920 --> 00:01:48,759 have called on neighbouring mining veteran James Cunes 26 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:53,279 to assess their freshly drilled 12m exploration hole.' 27 00:01:55,240 --> 00:01:58,559 We're looking for another level. In the old days, 28 00:01:58,640 --> 00:02:02,039 I don't think they realised there was more opal deeper. 29 00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:06,199 The goal is to find a level that no-one has had a crack at, 30 00:02:06,280 --> 00:02:09,479 so it'll be all ours, fresh. 31 00:02:09,560 --> 00:02:14,279 20, 30 feet away from the hole, we're finding beautiful opal. 32 00:02:14,360 --> 00:02:20,639 As we go down, you can see, straight into purple ground, look at it. 33 00:02:22,560 --> 00:02:26,879 Just all purple. There's good sandstone and bad sandstone. 34 00:02:26,960 --> 00:02:29,719 You've got good sandstone, that opal forms in, 35 00:02:29,800 --> 00:02:32,399 then sandstone which is dead, purple ground. 36 00:02:32,480 --> 00:02:36,079 The whole lot's purple, which is a bit of a problem. 37 00:02:36,160 --> 00:02:39,119 I can't believe it goes so thick and so far. 38 00:02:42,280 --> 00:02:46,239 'Recently evicted with their families from the opal town of Mintabie, 39 00:02:46,320 --> 00:02:50,999 The Blacklighters have had to rebuild their lives in Coober Pedy.' 40 00:02:52,640 --> 00:02:55,759 To be up here, to live, to feed everyone, 41 00:02:55,840 --> 00:02:58,359 to get by - it's not a cheap place to be. 42 00:03:00,120 --> 00:03:05,479 We're always buying diesel, belts, bits and pieces, grease and stuff. 43 00:03:05,560 --> 00:03:08,679 It is pretty costly. Does that need fuel? 44 00:03:08,760 --> 00:03:13,319 That's why we're on edge - we've got to get something every day. 45 00:03:13,400 --> 00:03:16,639 That's why we've got Opalzilla. 46 00:03:16,720 --> 00:03:19,319 She's a beautiful beast. 47 00:03:19,400 --> 00:03:23,519 'Opalzilla is The Blacklighters' processing plant, 48 00:03:23,600 --> 00:03:26,599 capable of sifting through old miners' waste dirt 49 00:03:26,680 --> 00:03:30,119 at a rate of 50 tonnes an hour. 50 00:03:30,200 --> 00:03:35,399 Any missed opal fluoresces under its ultraviolet black light.' 51 00:03:36,400 --> 00:03:38,799 Holy - You beauty! 52 00:03:38,880 --> 00:03:41,239 'So far the team have found 53 00:03:41,320 --> 00:03:42,799 just enough opal 54 00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:44,359 to fuel their machines 55 00:03:44,440 --> 00:03:46,599 and keep food on the table.' 56 00:03:48,040 --> 00:03:51,519 Our main plan is to do a big open cut 57 00:03:51,600 --> 00:03:55,439 and hopefully find ourselves a pocket that's untouched. 58 00:03:55,520 --> 00:03:58,759 That's going to be the best way to make big money, 59 00:03:58,840 --> 00:04:03,159 is to find that pocket and follow it, and hopefully it keeps running. 60 00:04:03,240 --> 00:04:08,159 I really would like to have an excavator for our next step. 61 00:04:08,240 --> 00:04:12,639 An excavator could probably reach anything that we want to reach. 62 00:04:12,720 --> 00:04:14,959 'To begin open-cut mining, 63 00:04:15,040 --> 00:04:19,999 the team need to find $15,000 of opal to pay for an excavator, 64 00:04:20,080 --> 00:04:24,879 and discover an opal level on which to locate their new operation.' 65 00:04:24,960 --> 00:04:30,399 That purple ground goes for 30 feet and down, where there's no opal. 66 00:04:30,480 --> 00:04:32,919 Straight purple ground? . 67 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:39,079 It's disappointing, having the hole drilled and not much out of it. 68 00:04:39,160 --> 00:04:43,359 We've got to find that next level. Somewhere, that level will form. 69 00:04:43,440 --> 00:04:48,159 If we don't find opal, it's not going to be a good end to the year. 70 00:04:55,720 --> 00:05:01,039 '1,000km to the east, deep in outback Queensland, 71 00:05:01,120 --> 00:05:05,839 unmarked on any major map, lies Koroit opal field, 72 00:05:05,920 --> 00:05:08,999 population, 15. 73 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:15,639 47 degrees in the summer, no electricity, no running water, 74 00:05:15,720 --> 00:05:21,519 and the only place on earth where you can find the Koroit nut, 75 00:05:21,600 --> 00:05:25,919 unique opal that forms elaborate and highly sought-after patterns 76 00:05:26,000 --> 00:05:28,079 in the local ironstone.' 77 00:05:30,760 --> 00:05:34,879 Where we're going is the heart of Koroit. 78 00:05:34,960 --> 00:05:37,959 It's a 40-acre claim, that's massive. 79 00:05:39,040 --> 00:05:41,999 Rod's a bit of a king out here, 80 00:05:42,080 --> 00:05:45,199 he's done well in the opal-mining game. 81 00:05:45,280 --> 00:05:48,879 On this particular claim, he's on opal right now. 82 00:05:48,960 --> 00:05:52,199 He needs a hand though, he's not a young fella. 83 00:05:52,280 --> 00:05:55,039 He needs some muscle, that's where we come in. 84 00:05:55,120 --> 00:05:56,839 We're coming to help him out. 85 00:05:56,920 --> 00:06:02,519 The arrangement we've come to is basically a 30% stake 86 00:06:02,600 --> 00:06:04,879 in whatever we find and sell. 87 00:06:04,960 --> 00:06:07,119 He needs us and we need him. 88 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:10,719 Yes, Sofia, here it is. Ooh-woo! 89 00:06:10,800 --> 00:06:12,799 Here we go. 90 00:06:17,120 --> 00:06:20,119 'Isaac Andreou, his sister Sofia, 91 00:06:20,200 --> 00:06:23,679 and her partner, Chris Daff, are taking the leap...' 92 00:06:23,760 --> 00:06:25,759 Hey, here. 93 00:06:27,120 --> 00:06:32,359 '..from highly experienced opal cutters and sellers to miners...' 94 00:06:32,440 --> 00:06:34,679 'Sup? '..under the watchful eye 95 00:06:34,760 --> 00:06:38,439 of 60-year veteran and family friend, Rod Griffin.' 96 00:06:38,520 --> 00:06:42,879 I know their parents from way back, done business together. 97 00:06:42,960 --> 00:06:46,279 Limited experience but they're willing to learn. 98 00:06:46,360 --> 00:06:52,039 They're honest, they're enthusiastic, and I need help. 99 00:06:52,120 --> 00:06:56,079 This is the area we'll dig. We want that boulder out of the wall. 100 00:06:56,160 --> 00:06:59,759 What's the chance of this collapsing when it comes out? 101 00:06:59,840 --> 00:07:01,319 That's your problem. 102 00:07:01,400 --> 00:07:06,639 Just be careful. Hey, hey, hey! Come onto the side. 103 00:07:06,720 --> 00:07:11,119 No, on the side. Come around, out of there. 104 00:07:11,200 --> 00:07:15,799 OK, just gently. The other end of the pick, the other end of the pick! 105 00:07:21,680 --> 00:07:24,559 Normally, you look for opal on the fault line. 106 00:07:24,640 --> 00:07:28,039 'Isaac and Sofia and their seven siblings 107 00:07:28,120 --> 00:07:32,119 come from an opal dynasty in the mining town of Yowah, 108 00:07:32,200 --> 00:07:37,039 90km from Koroit, also famous for opal nuts.' 109 00:07:37,120 --> 00:07:38,959 Come on down, love. 110 00:07:39,040 --> 00:07:42,239 When they got together, Mum and Dad hit the outback 111 00:07:42,320 --> 00:07:44,279 before us kids came along. 112 00:07:44,360 --> 00:07:47,759 When they came across the Queensland boulder 113 00:07:47,840 --> 00:07:52,319 and particularly the Yowah opal, it was love at first sight. 114 00:07:52,400 --> 00:07:54,039 Dad, how has that come out? 115 00:07:54,120 --> 00:07:58,039 I'm looking at a number of pieces that have just been finished. 116 00:07:58,120 --> 00:08:00,079 Quite incredible. 117 00:08:00,160 --> 00:08:04,719 From that day forward, they used to bring us kids out here all the time. 118 00:08:04,800 --> 00:08:09,039 We were constantly going to opal mines, fossicking, cutting opal. 119 00:08:09,120 --> 00:08:11,999 It's all I've ever done, all I'm going to do. 120 00:08:12,080 --> 00:08:15,359 This colour! Look at that, that's nice, eh? 121 00:08:15,440 --> 00:08:19,719 We've always had shops, we've always had retail stores. 122 00:08:19,800 --> 00:08:22,439 Ever since I was little, I was studying rocks. 123 00:08:22,520 --> 00:08:24,919 There'd be rocks we'd bring from the mine, 124 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:28,559 or perhaps we'd see a dealer we really trusted, 125 00:08:28,640 --> 00:08:30,559 and I'd be looking for colour 126 00:08:30,640 --> 00:08:34,639 and pieces that I thought were A-grade, B-grade, or C-grade. 127 00:08:34,720 --> 00:08:38,919 I was trained in that since I was about six years old. 128 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:41,239 I started cutting at eight years old. 129 00:08:41,320 --> 00:08:43,919 My brother made me watch for two years 130 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:46,119 before he let me touch a stone. 131 00:08:46,200 --> 00:08:50,479 I worked until I was 16 every day after school at $3 a stone. 132 00:08:50,560 --> 00:08:55,959 I can literally read the lines and formation to see what's inside it. 133 00:08:56,040 --> 00:08:59,159 I'll talk to them - "How are you going, mate?" 134 00:08:59,240 --> 00:09:02,559 That's how I got my name, The Opal Whisperer. 135 00:09:02,640 --> 00:09:05,439 I communicate with rocks. 136 00:09:10,320 --> 00:09:15,839 'Isaac and Sofia's parents retired from opal mining in 2005.' 137 00:09:15,920 --> 00:09:20,519 Our family's original purpose was taking the opal from the mine, 138 00:09:20,600 --> 00:09:24,439 then going through the process then to the customer. 139 00:09:24,520 --> 00:09:28,479 We really want to reinstall that vision that our parents had. 140 00:09:28,560 --> 00:09:31,959 Our end game here would be to make enough money 141 00:09:32,040 --> 00:09:36,319 to afford our own equipment, our own fuels, our own operation, 142 00:09:36,400 --> 00:09:38,119 and get a lease. 143 00:09:38,200 --> 00:09:40,479 We need anywhere up to $50,000 144 00:09:40,560 --> 00:09:42,759 for the mines I'm looking at. 145 00:09:42,840 --> 00:09:45,879 That's our dream - mine it, be our own bosses, 146 00:09:45,960 --> 00:09:47,879 have a family partnership. 147 00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:52,719 process the stones, do the jewellery, then present it online. 148 00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:56,679 What does Daddy do for work, baby? 149 00:09:56,760 --> 00:09:58,799 Rocks. That's right. 150 00:09:58,880 --> 00:10:01,559 My main drive is my little girl. 151 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:05,199 She's on my mind always - when I wake up, when I go to sleep. 152 00:10:05,280 --> 00:10:09,839 I want Zaliana to see her father succeed. 153 00:10:09,920 --> 00:10:12,799 My daughter's everything to me, mate. 154 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:17,039 I'd give up every stone for that little girl every day. 155 00:10:17,120 --> 00:10:19,399 Here she comes. 156 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:23,799 Let's get a couple of hands on it. No, no, no, stay away. 157 00:10:23,880 --> 00:10:28,839 Chris is a strong, young lad. Any help is good help. 158 00:10:30,440 --> 00:10:33,399 Initially, I was a chiropractor. 159 00:10:33,480 --> 00:10:36,599 I found myself bumping into Sofia. 160 00:10:36,680 --> 00:10:41,159 Here I am, now I'm in the desert, digging up opal. 161 00:10:41,240 --> 00:10:44,079 SOFIA: Woo-ooh! Here we go. 162 00:10:44,160 --> 00:10:46,599 Yeah, wow! 163 00:10:46,680 --> 00:10:49,039 Beauty, all right. 164 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:52,759 What we're going to do is pick up these pieces and have a look 165 00:10:52,840 --> 00:10:55,119 at them that fell out around it. 166 00:10:55,200 --> 00:10:58,239 There's a lot at stake. If we don't find enough opal, 167 00:10:58,320 --> 00:11:03,359 and be able to process it and sell it on, the dream is over. 168 00:11:03,440 --> 00:11:07,599 SOFIA: This little one? Pattern, not much colour. 169 00:11:07,680 --> 00:11:09,159 We've got debts. 170 00:11:09,240 --> 00:11:14,079 If we don't bring home the bacon, everything's going to fall over. 171 00:11:21,320 --> 00:11:26,239 Give this a shake for me, pull it down hard, pull it hard. 172 00:11:26,320 --> 00:11:29,319 I'm keen to get this second set of gear going. 173 00:11:29,400 --> 00:11:32,759 At the moment, we're just starting to drill the hole. 174 00:11:32,840 --> 00:11:34,719 Hopefully, we'll get that set up, 175 00:11:34,800 --> 00:11:36,999 get the blower going, and get digging. 176 00:11:37,080 --> 00:11:39,879 While we're setting up, we're not earning money. 177 00:11:39,960 --> 00:11:43,119 The sooner we get the second set of gear running, 178 00:11:43,200 --> 00:11:47,799 we've got two irons in the fire, we double our chances of finding opal. 179 00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:53,399 'Chris Cheal and sons Rory and Oscar are drilling a 10m-deep hole 180 00:11:53,480 --> 00:11:57,519 to install pipes for a blower to extract opal-bearing dirt 181 00:11:57,600 --> 00:12:00,919 from their new underground mine face.' 182 00:12:05,360 --> 00:12:09,079 We've just hit the hard cap with the drill. 183 00:12:09,160 --> 00:12:13,079 It's very compact, it goes for hundreds of metres around this area 184 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:16,239 and it's about 4' thick. 185 00:12:16,320 --> 00:12:19,879 The drill is struggling a little, chipping away at it. 186 00:12:19,960 --> 00:12:25,079 Hopefully we get through it soon - the sound is almost unbearable. 187 00:12:26,960 --> 00:12:28,439 Good to come down. 188 00:12:28,520 --> 00:12:32,679 'The Cheals recently moved a second digger underground. 189 00:12:32,760 --> 00:12:36,959 Chris wants to use the 2.5-tonne superdigger 190 00:12:37,040 --> 00:12:40,639 to attack an area on their lease containing sandstone 191 00:12:40,720 --> 00:12:45,239 weathered to cementlike strength millions of years ago.' 192 00:12:46,520 --> 00:12:49,159 This claim was too hard for them to dig. 193 00:12:49,240 --> 00:12:52,439 They made a few dollars, but couldn't dig it. 194 00:12:52,520 --> 00:12:57,199 The big digger I've got, we're confident it will dig this ground, 195 00:12:57,280 --> 00:12:59,919 and if there's opal in it, we're laughing. 196 00:13:00,000 --> 00:13:02,679 Three grand in them three, at least. 197 00:13:02,760 --> 00:13:05,119 Halfway through the season, 198 00:13:05,200 --> 00:13:08,239 we haven't dug out as much opal as we'd hoped. 199 00:13:08,320 --> 00:13:09,919 I want to find 200 00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:12,319 a lot more money than that. 201 00:13:12,400 --> 00:13:16,599 We've got two sets of gear going, double the costs, 202 00:13:16,680 --> 00:13:20,559 but we increase our chances of finding opal by two. 203 00:13:23,320 --> 00:13:25,519 All the money we've found this year 204 00:13:25,600 --> 00:13:29,839 has been reinvested into getting this second set of gear running. 205 00:13:29,920 --> 00:13:34,319 We haven't actually pocketed much of the finds we've had. 206 00:13:35,480 --> 00:13:37,999 It's been tough, financially. 207 00:13:38,080 --> 00:13:41,559 I want to secure some property for myself and the kids. 208 00:13:41,640 --> 00:13:45,839 If it does what I think it's going to do here somewhere, 209 00:13:45,920 --> 00:13:47,919 it may set them up. 210 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:53,239 '3 metres down, the augur drill-head attachment that widens the hole, 211 00:13:53,320 --> 00:13:57,039 known as a reamer, needs to be checked for wear.' 212 00:13:57,120 --> 00:13:58,919 Aw, . 213 00:14:01,680 --> 00:14:03,159 ! 214 00:14:04,280 --> 00:14:07,759 That's just blown our day, you know that, don't you? 215 00:14:07,840 --> 00:14:10,039 Snapped the bolt clean off it. 216 00:14:10,120 --> 00:14:13,959 We just pulled the augur up to have a look at the teeth 217 00:14:14,040 --> 00:14:19,919 cos the cap was shredding the teeth off, and it snapped the bolt 218 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:23,559 that was holding the reamer onto the end of the augur. 219 00:14:23,640 --> 00:14:28,279 The reamer is stuck down the bottom. Very, very frustrating. 220 00:14:28,360 --> 00:14:32,359 I was always a bit worried about the hard cap here 221 00:14:32,440 --> 00:14:36,039 and this drill not being able to get through anyway. 222 00:14:36,120 --> 00:14:39,519 For now, that's the end of us putting that hole down. 223 00:14:39,600 --> 00:14:42,079 We'll have to come up with something else. 224 00:14:42,160 --> 00:14:46,519 It's very frustrating, considering we've just wasted the money, 225 00:14:46,600 --> 00:14:49,759 trying to put it down, then we got nowhere. 226 00:14:49,840 --> 00:14:51,799 'With the new drill hole blocked, 227 00:14:51,880 --> 00:14:55,319 they'll have to move their diesel-powered vacuum machine, 228 00:14:55,400 --> 00:14:57,839 known as a blower, and extraction pipes 229 00:14:57,920 --> 00:15:00,359 further from the face they want to mine.' 230 00:15:00,440 --> 00:15:02,639 We'll use this old hole here. 231 00:15:02,720 --> 00:15:06,439 It just means we've got to change the direction 232 00:15:06,520 --> 00:15:08,839 we're going to dig underground. 233 00:15:08,920 --> 00:15:10,919 That might be a good thing. 234 00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:14,439 'The failed drill hole would have given a short, straight run 235 00:15:14,520 --> 00:15:16,959 of blower pipe to the desired mine face, 236 00:15:17,040 --> 00:15:21,279 ideal for maximum rock suction and minimal diesel use. 237 00:15:21,360 --> 00:15:23,999 The existing shaft they'll now use 238 00:15:24,080 --> 00:15:27,199 will add an extra 30m of blower pipes.' 239 00:15:28,640 --> 00:15:34,479 We'll have to put a 45-degree bend in here, which can be problematic, 240 00:15:34,560 --> 00:15:38,879 cos the more bends you have underground, the more chance 241 00:15:38,960 --> 00:15:43,559 of rocks getting stuck in the blower pipe as you're digging. 242 00:15:43,640 --> 00:15:48,999 We're still a long way from where we want to be digging, over there. 243 00:15:49,080 --> 00:15:52,479 We're slowly making our way across, cleaning up, 244 00:15:52,560 --> 00:15:56,439 making a clear track for the blower pipes and the digger to get across. 245 00:15:56,520 --> 00:15:59,599 It's taking a bit longer than we thought. 246 00:15:59,680 --> 00:16:02,839 The pressure is on a bit. I'm going as quick as I can. 247 00:16:02,920 --> 00:16:06,119 While that blower is going up there, it's sucking diesel. 248 00:16:06,200 --> 00:16:09,519 It's all money going out and not much coming in, 249 00:16:09,600 --> 00:16:11,599 or nothing coming in. 250 00:16:16,560 --> 00:16:19,239 The noodling's good, and we love it, 251 00:16:19,320 --> 00:16:22,039 but we want to get to that next level, 252 00:16:22,120 --> 00:16:25,679 find a decent pocket somewhere along the line, 253 00:16:25,760 --> 00:16:28,279 so we've got to start digging. 254 00:16:28,360 --> 00:16:32,399 An excavator is the best thing for where we are. 255 00:16:32,480 --> 00:16:35,759 A few more stones, we'll be able to afford one. 256 00:16:35,840 --> 00:16:39,879 If we're to stay out here and keep working, we need to find opal 257 00:16:39,960 --> 00:16:41,919 to pay the diesel bill. 258 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:46,479 Breakdowns, I'd say, an open cut would cost you a bit more 259 00:16:46,560 --> 00:16:50,439 cos you've got to move a -load more dirt. 260 00:16:50,520 --> 00:16:54,159 'While Mark and John continue to process tailings 261 00:16:54,240 --> 00:16:56,999 which may hold opal missed in the past, 262 00:16:57,080 --> 00:17:03,319 Paul is heading 150m away to scout for a site for a new open-cut mine.' 263 00:17:03,400 --> 00:17:05,439 We came out here not long ago 264 00:17:05,520 --> 00:17:09,759 and came across drill holes that had been done by the old timers. 265 00:17:09,840 --> 00:17:13,359 We shoved a light up there, and there was a seam at the back. 266 00:17:13,440 --> 00:17:16,439 Hopefully, if we crack into it and follow it, 267 00:17:16,520 --> 00:17:18,679 it might open up into something. 268 00:17:18,760 --> 00:17:22,799 The holes are just here, in this corner section here. 269 00:17:22,880 --> 00:17:27,799 I'll get the jackhammer and the generator, and we'll get into it. 270 00:17:27,880 --> 00:17:31,439 Cos it's pretty high, I reckon there's holes here. 271 00:17:31,520 --> 00:17:34,559 I might just come from the top and chip it all down. 272 00:17:34,640 --> 00:17:36,999 Let's see if this works too, eh? 273 00:17:44,800 --> 00:17:50,079 We're getting there slowly, we're just about at the back of the hole. 274 00:17:50,160 --> 00:17:55,119 We might see some type of material soon, a few bits around. 275 00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:57,199 Oh, hang on. 276 00:17:58,760 --> 00:18:00,319 Oh, nice! 277 00:18:00,400 --> 00:18:05,079 Got some grey, some colour coming through. That's a nice, big bit. 278 00:18:05,160 --> 00:18:08,239 Let's hope we can follow this, we'll be laughing. 279 00:18:08,320 --> 00:18:11,399 Hang on, look, in the wall here. Awesome! 280 00:18:11,480 --> 00:18:16,479 Hopefully that runs that whole way around. There's more over here. 281 00:18:16,560 --> 00:18:19,079 'Paul has found white seam opal, 282 00:18:19,160 --> 00:18:22,159 worth up to $7,500 a gram.' 283 00:18:23,160 --> 00:18:26,959 We've got colour. I need some tools, I need a pick. 284 00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:33,359 What's this call on the radio, talking colour? 285 00:18:33,440 --> 00:18:37,959 A couple of interesting bits, she's still going back. 286 00:18:38,040 --> 00:18:40,679 I've got my goodies bag over here. 287 00:18:40,760 --> 00:18:42,999 Yeah, I can see that from here. 288 00:18:43,080 --> 00:18:46,319 It's running hard around, into this corner here. 289 00:18:46,400 --> 00:18:48,759 There's more hanging out of the wall. 290 00:18:48,840 --> 00:18:51,359 That's brilliant. , yeah! 291 00:18:51,440 --> 00:18:54,919 Paul's done exceptionally well, that's just starting. 292 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:58,319 We're going to have to follow that back in. 293 00:18:58,400 --> 00:19:02,799 You can see how hard it is by hand. we'll get an excavator onto this. 294 00:19:02,880 --> 00:19:05,879 We might be on the run that we're after. 295 00:19:05,960 --> 00:19:07,719 Well done, Paul! 296 00:19:07,800 --> 00:19:11,879 'A second-hand excavator will cost about $15,000, 297 00:19:11,960 --> 00:19:15,959 but The Blacklighters also have three families to support, 298 00:19:16,040 --> 00:19:18,639 and mining costs of $1,000 a week. 299 00:19:22,720 --> 00:19:26,759 They're relying on Opalzilla to reveal the hidden gems 300 00:19:26,840 --> 00:19:28,919 they so desperately need.' 301 00:19:38,920 --> 00:19:42,319 Brought the family out today for a bit of a look. 302 00:19:42,400 --> 00:19:43,879 The young fella loves it. 303 00:19:43,960 --> 00:19:47,839 Bring Mum and Dad out, they haven't seen what we're doing out here. 304 00:19:47,920 --> 00:19:50,919 They hopefully can bring us some luck. 305 00:19:52,720 --> 00:19:56,719 We've got two beautiful children that we need to support, 306 00:19:56,800 --> 00:19:59,639 pay the bills. 307 00:19:59,720 --> 00:20:02,479 Food and stuff is not cheap here. 308 00:20:02,560 --> 00:20:06,879 Some big chunks of opal, it would make a huge difference. 309 00:20:12,880 --> 00:20:14,879 Yo, turn that off! 310 00:20:23,600 --> 00:20:28,039 We're done here for the day, Mark, the chain just went snap. 311 00:20:32,760 --> 00:20:36,599 When you're in under enough, come in over the top. 312 00:20:36,680 --> 00:20:40,799 Hopefully, we'll see some colour running onto that black potch. 313 00:20:40,880 --> 00:20:45,359 'The Cheals have finally laid 45m of blower pipe 314 00:20:45,440 --> 00:20:48,719 and positioned their 2.5-tonne superdigger close enough 315 00:20:48,800 --> 00:20:51,319 to mine a new opal-bearing rock face.' 316 00:20:51,400 --> 00:20:54,679 The only reason why this country hasn't been dug 317 00:20:54,760 --> 00:20:56,239 is because it's so hard. 318 00:20:56,320 --> 00:21:00,359 These scratch marks are the old digger trying to get through, 319 00:21:00,440 --> 00:21:02,919 scratching away at the surface. 320 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:05,959 Jump on, I'll keep an eye on you. Righto. 321 00:21:06,040 --> 00:21:08,519 You want me to go down low first? 322 00:21:08,600 --> 00:21:13,039 Yeah, just work across the floor. Try not to dig holes in your floor. 323 00:21:13,120 --> 00:21:15,399 You want to keep it level for pipes. 324 00:21:15,480 --> 00:21:20,199 'Chris wants son Rory, who's only operated the smaller digger, 325 00:21:20,280 --> 00:21:23,119 to mine with the superdigger...' 326 00:21:23,200 --> 00:21:27,359 Watch the end of your pipe, cos you can just crush it, OK? OK. 327 00:21:27,440 --> 00:21:29,759 '..and fulfil the team's dream 328 00:21:29,840 --> 00:21:33,319 of having two machines running simultaneously, 329 00:21:33,400 --> 00:21:35,839 doubling their chance of finding opal.' 330 00:21:35,920 --> 00:21:39,599 If I didn't have confidence in him, I wouldn't put him on it. 331 00:21:39,680 --> 00:21:42,079 It's got 30 tonne of breakout pressure. 332 00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:46,079 You can get really messed up really quickly, using the digger. 333 00:21:46,160 --> 00:21:49,759 I know because I've been crushed once before. 334 00:21:51,560 --> 00:21:54,199 First go, a bit nerve-racking. 335 00:21:54,280 --> 00:21:57,799 It's really powerful, a lot quicker than the other one. 336 00:21:57,880 --> 00:22:00,159 Trying to take it slow, 337 00:22:00,240 --> 00:22:03,119 get used to the movements so I don't break anything. 338 00:22:03,200 --> 00:22:08,119 I'm just so proud of the boys. They said, "Look, Dad, we can do it." 339 00:22:08,200 --> 00:22:11,559 They pushed me to get the second set going. 340 00:22:11,640 --> 00:22:14,279 Yeah, it's good, it's really good. 341 00:22:14,360 --> 00:22:19,319 'The dirt Rory digs from the wall is sucked up through the pipes 342 00:22:19,400 --> 00:22:22,519 by the blower and dumped into a waiting truck 343 00:22:22,600 --> 00:22:28,159 to be washed of caked-on clay, revealing any opal.' 344 00:22:29,960 --> 00:22:32,839 Did I find something down here today? I hope so. 345 00:22:32,920 --> 00:22:35,039 Won't be from lack of trying. 346 00:22:35,120 --> 00:22:37,479 'While Rory digs at the mine wall, 347 00:22:37,560 --> 00:22:41,279 Chris and Oscar are using the smaller digger. 348 00:22:41,360 --> 00:22:44,799 They're working a Z-fault that has shown opal trace.' 349 00:22:44,880 --> 00:22:47,719 This is the bottom side of the Z-fault. 350 00:22:47,800 --> 00:22:53,039 Rory is about probably 70m from here, 351 00:22:53,120 --> 00:22:57,679 close enough that, if he gets into trouble, we're there to help. 352 00:22:58,760 --> 00:23:01,719 'The dirt is collected by a bogger 353 00:23:01,800 --> 00:23:05,079 and hoisted into a second waiting truck.' 354 00:23:07,800 --> 00:23:12,159 We've got both sets of gear going now, we're where we wanted to be. 355 00:23:12,240 --> 00:23:14,519 I'm stoked, I'm over the moon, 356 00:23:14,600 --> 00:23:18,039 especially since we had so much trouble to start with. 357 00:23:18,120 --> 00:23:21,639 We've done the hard yards. 358 00:23:21,720 --> 00:23:26,119 If we can get some opal now and make it pay, even better. 359 00:23:30,680 --> 00:23:33,279 We've moved all but half a metre, 360 00:23:33,360 --> 00:23:35,679 and every single time I take a swipe, 361 00:23:35,760 --> 00:23:39,679 there's heaps of stuff that's promising, really good to see. 362 00:23:39,760 --> 00:23:46,239 The whole idea was to hopefully come in here and make money straightaway. 363 00:23:46,320 --> 00:23:50,799 With this sort of trace, there's a good chance of that happening. 364 00:23:55,320 --> 00:23:58,639 You've got to read your boulder. This is a separate nut. 365 00:23:58,720 --> 00:24:03,319 'Under the experienced eye of claim owner and veteran miner, Rod Griffin, 366 00:24:03,400 --> 00:24:08,519 The Opal Whisperers are on the hunt for the highly valued Koroit nut, 367 00:24:08,600 --> 00:24:10,519 found nowhere else on earth.' 368 00:24:10,600 --> 00:24:13,479 This is part of the boulder that came out of the wall 369 00:24:13,560 --> 00:24:15,239 that Chris pulled out. 370 00:24:15,320 --> 00:24:18,959 You can see the pattern that Koroit is famous for. 371 00:24:19,040 --> 00:24:20,919 We hope to get colour as well. 372 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:26,079 'The new team have an ambitious plan to rekindle their family's legacy, 373 00:24:26,160 --> 00:24:28,639 purchasing their own claim and equipment, 374 00:24:28,720 --> 00:24:33,119 and to maximise profits, mine the opal they'll sell as jewellery.' 375 00:24:33,200 --> 00:24:35,559 There's a lot of challenges out here. 376 00:24:35,640 --> 00:24:39,559 We're going to be reaching the high 40s Celsius very soon. 377 00:24:39,640 --> 00:24:43,239 We need to know what we're doing, there's no time to delay. 378 00:24:43,320 --> 00:24:47,639 Sofia and I teaming up is something that was meant to be, 379 00:24:47,720 --> 00:24:49,719 it's what Mum and Dad wanted. 380 00:24:49,800 --> 00:24:54,479 Then we've got Rod Griffin, the Mr Miyagi of the opal world. 381 00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:57,199 That's what everybody wants, that pattern. 382 00:24:57,280 --> 00:24:59,639 So good. The Koroit pattern. 383 00:24:59,720 --> 00:25:03,159 'Koroit nuts are individual ironstone boulders 384 00:25:03,240 --> 00:25:05,719 sitting in a layer of sandstone earth 385 00:25:05,800 --> 00:25:07,719 formed millions of years ago, 386 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:13,039 when water and opal-forming silica seeped inside the semi-porous rocks. 387 00:25:13,120 --> 00:25:17,079 How the unique Koroit patterning is formed is a mystery, 388 00:25:17,160 --> 00:25:22,959 but individual pieces have sold for over $100,000.' 389 00:25:23,040 --> 00:25:27,239 Hopefully, we get a piece like that running through the boulder. 390 00:25:27,320 --> 00:25:29,599 I'm sure, when we dig up here, we will, 391 00:25:29,680 --> 00:25:32,399 because I can see the colour in the wall. 392 00:25:32,480 --> 00:25:34,639 That's why I want to go there next. 393 00:25:34,720 --> 00:25:40,519 'The Koroit opal fields have existed since 1897. 394 00:25:40,600 --> 00:25:44,719 Rod purchased his 40-acre Elusive mine claim from the previous owner 395 00:25:44,800 --> 00:25:47,119 in 2013.' 396 00:25:47,200 --> 00:25:49,199 I asked him where to dig, he told me. 397 00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:53,079 He said, "Go to 17 feet." I did, and there was nothing there. 398 00:25:53,160 --> 00:25:57,199 Anyway, I went deeper, to 23 feet, and that's where I found it. 399 00:25:57,280 --> 00:25:59,879 As you can see, where I've been digging, 400 00:25:59,960 --> 00:26:01,839 I've been finding it ever since. 401 00:26:01,920 --> 00:26:06,079 Every time I get to the level, I'm finding something. 402 00:26:06,160 --> 00:26:09,919 Just look through this one. CHRIS: What's that? 403 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:12,879 What I'm going to do... Holy moley. 404 00:26:12,960 --> 00:26:16,079 ..I'm going to set it straight through that bucket. 405 00:26:16,160 --> 00:26:21,879 Rod's just dug out a little section of the wall, where the layer was. 406 00:26:21,960 --> 00:26:24,799 We're just going to sift through it. 407 00:26:24,880 --> 00:26:27,799 There we go, what's that? SOFIA: Anything good? 408 00:26:27,880 --> 00:26:31,719 This one looks promising. Nah, it's just clay. 409 00:26:31,800 --> 00:26:36,759 These things could be the size of a pea or the size of a football. 410 00:26:36,840 --> 00:26:41,199 There's a lot at stake, that's at the forefront of my mind. 411 00:26:41,280 --> 00:26:42,999 We've got money to make. 412 00:26:43,080 --> 00:26:46,519 It's not only finding nuts, we've got to get them processed. 413 00:26:46,600 --> 00:26:48,079 Clay. 414 00:26:48,160 --> 00:26:51,039 There's a long way to go. 415 00:26:51,120 --> 00:26:54,239 Nothing in that. All right, I'll keep looking. 416 00:26:54,320 --> 00:26:58,439 What's this, could this little guy be a nut, do you reckon? 417 00:26:58,520 --> 00:27:01,359 Yeah, that's a nut. ROD: Hey, hey! 418 00:27:01,440 --> 00:27:04,559 Turn the hammer over and hit the other end, and nick it. 419 00:27:04,640 --> 00:27:08,159 The side, not down the middle. That's it. 420 00:27:08,240 --> 00:27:11,879 There we go. That's what we're looking for, hey? 421 00:27:11,960 --> 00:27:14,079 Rod? Yay, woo! 422 00:27:14,160 --> 00:27:17,639 That pattern is what Koroit is famous for. 423 00:27:17,720 --> 00:27:22,479 We're just getting the first taste of exactly what we're looking for, 424 00:27:22,560 --> 00:27:26,559 which is patterns and electric colour. That's awesome. 425 00:27:26,640 --> 00:27:28,479 We'll take it back to the saw, 426 00:27:28,560 --> 00:27:32,479 open it carefully and expose the gem that's inside. Nice, Chris. 427 00:27:32,560 --> 00:27:36,319 If boulder was $1 a pound, I'd be a millionaire. 428 00:27:36,400 --> 00:27:38,839 That's nice, that's starting. 429 00:27:38,920 --> 00:27:43,559 That's probably about $2,000 or $3,000 worth of opal in there. 430 00:27:43,640 --> 00:27:47,679 Let's grab some nuts. Take it easy. See this, guys? 431 00:27:47,760 --> 00:27:50,319 They fall out, and you can't see them. 432 00:27:50,400 --> 00:27:53,039 SOFIA: That's a big kicker. 433 00:27:57,640 --> 00:28:00,799 Whoa, whoa! That looks good. 434 00:28:00,880 --> 00:28:02,879 What's that? 435 00:28:04,440 --> 00:28:06,439 Wet that up. 436 00:28:07,640 --> 00:28:09,999 Hey! Yes! Look at the blue, eh? 437 00:28:10,080 --> 00:28:12,759 Blue-green all over it. Yeah, bro. 438 00:28:12,840 --> 00:28:18,039 This is what we're looking for - a fully impregnated Koroit nut. Nice! 439 00:28:18,120 --> 00:28:21,639 Who knows what else is inside? Ron, check this out! 440 00:28:21,720 --> 00:28:23,679 Hey! 441 00:28:23,760 --> 00:28:25,519 Goddamn! 442 00:28:26,920 --> 00:28:29,199 Finally, something amazing. 443 00:28:29,280 --> 00:28:32,159 This is the sort of piece that we don't want to hit. 444 00:28:32,240 --> 00:28:34,919 It's already sort of broken off in the ground. 445 00:28:35,000 --> 00:28:39,279 We want to saw it up carefully. That's that famous Koroit pattern. 446 00:28:39,360 --> 00:28:41,359 CHRIS: That's brilliant. 447 00:28:41,440 --> 00:28:45,839 Like the stuff Mum and Dad used to get. Awesome, love it, guys. 448 00:28:45,920 --> 00:28:48,159 Good job, guys. Eh? 449 00:28:54,520 --> 00:28:58,399 I just grabbed the spreader bar with the rocks. 450 00:28:58,480 --> 00:29:01,799 Oh, dear, it's going to be one of them days. 451 00:29:01,880 --> 00:29:05,239 'Jammed with loose rocks, the conveyor belt that 452 00:29:05,320 --> 00:29:09,159 feeds dirt through Opalzilla has been forced upwards, 453 00:29:09,240 --> 00:29:12,999 tearing off the spreader bar that's meant to prevent blockages, 454 00:29:13,080 --> 00:29:14,799 and jamming it underneath.' 455 00:29:14,880 --> 00:29:18,079 It grabbed the bar that stops rocks getting to the drum, 456 00:29:18,160 --> 00:29:20,359 then that snapped the chain. 457 00:29:21,360 --> 00:29:24,119 We've got a bent shaft, that's not good - 458 00:29:24,200 --> 00:29:26,599 it makes the chain go tight, slack, tight. 459 00:29:26,680 --> 00:29:30,439 We've got to get this straight - solid steel, not easy to bend. 460 00:29:30,520 --> 00:29:34,639 'Without Opalzilla, The Blacklighters can't find opal, 461 00:29:34,720 --> 00:29:38,559 their only source of income to support their families 462 00:29:38,640 --> 00:29:42,919 and to buy a $15,000 excavator to expand their operations.' 463 00:29:43,000 --> 00:29:44,679 Beefcake! 464 00:29:44,760 --> 00:29:48,519 If we don't get Opalzilla fixed, we're stuffed. 465 00:29:48,600 --> 00:29:51,199 Now for the fun. We'll get the loader here 466 00:29:51,280 --> 00:29:52,839 so I can jump on the bucket 467 00:29:52,920 --> 00:29:56,319 and get a bit of swing happening with the sledgehammer 468 00:29:56,400 --> 00:29:59,199 to try and bend that shaft down a little bit. 469 00:30:05,400 --> 00:30:08,759 Is it moving? It doesn't seem like it's going to bend back. 470 00:30:08,840 --> 00:30:13,159 Should we put the chain on it just to try and get that - 471 00:30:13,240 --> 00:30:15,079 Yeah. 472 00:30:15,160 --> 00:30:18,559 We're going to crank her on, we've got the chain on. 473 00:30:18,640 --> 00:30:23,079 Cos the shaft is bent, I've left the chain that bit slacker. 474 00:30:23,160 --> 00:30:26,839 Hopefully, it doesn't get tight and snap it again, 475 00:30:26,920 --> 00:30:30,799 but let's hope it's not loose enough where it's going to jump off. 476 00:30:30,880 --> 00:30:34,439 Ready, mate. Crank 'er up. She's going on now. 477 00:30:34,520 --> 00:30:36,559 I don't even want to watch, eh. 478 00:30:43,160 --> 00:30:45,439 It's turning. 479 00:30:45,520 --> 00:30:47,999 All good? 480 00:30:48,080 --> 00:30:50,319 Yeah, mate, all good. Keep it on. 481 00:30:50,400 --> 00:30:52,919 It's not jumping, not clunking. 482 00:30:53,000 --> 00:30:56,559 The belt is coming back across. I'm actually getting excited. 483 00:30:56,640 --> 00:31:00,199 We've got it running fairly true at the moment. 484 00:31:00,280 --> 00:31:03,719 Hopefully, we can fill our buckets up today. 485 00:31:05,560 --> 00:31:08,039 All right, let's get some rocks. 486 00:31:11,040 --> 00:31:13,159 Yo, first bit! 487 00:31:13,240 --> 00:31:15,719 Now we just need the bigger ones. 488 00:31:15,800 --> 00:31:20,119 'Under the black light, all grades of opal look the same, 489 00:31:20,200 --> 00:31:25,479 from worthless, colour-free potch to rare, expensive reds.' 490 00:31:25,560 --> 00:31:31,439 Bit of something there that might be worth having a look at, that bit. 491 00:31:31,520 --> 00:31:33,719 Potch. 492 00:31:33,800 --> 00:31:36,399 It's not looking too good at the moment. 493 00:31:36,480 --> 00:31:39,199 There are a few small bits coming through, 494 00:31:39,280 --> 00:31:41,279 but it's all just crap. 495 00:31:43,720 --> 00:31:46,559 Nah, mate, we've got no colour at all. 496 00:31:49,000 --> 00:31:51,839 Oh, hang on, I've got a bit of colour. 497 00:31:51,920 --> 00:31:56,239 Oh, he's got himself a little sandwich! Look at this guy. 498 00:31:57,760 --> 00:31:59,799 Holy ! 499 00:31:59,880 --> 00:32:02,519 No, is it? That's the game changer. 500 00:32:02,600 --> 00:32:05,039 Crystal, Paul? That's top notch. 501 00:32:05,120 --> 00:32:06,959 High five. Oh, yeah! 502 00:32:07,040 --> 00:32:12,199 Paul decided to pick the best bit off the belt we've seen today. 503 00:32:12,280 --> 00:32:15,319 Had a quick little sneak peek at it, 504 00:32:15,400 --> 00:32:18,399 and it looks pretty much like some nice red crystal. 505 00:32:18,480 --> 00:32:21,719 We actually got a bit of colour here, eh. 506 00:32:21,800 --> 00:32:25,559 It's not looking too bad. I've got a few chunks in the hand. 507 00:32:25,640 --> 00:32:27,799 Awesome, mate, awesome. 508 00:32:27,880 --> 00:32:32,999 The boys are finally starting to get some nice material coming through. 509 00:32:33,080 --> 00:32:35,359 It's starting to add up quick. 510 00:32:35,440 --> 00:32:38,799 We'll finish a bit more off, might have a parcel today. 511 00:32:38,880 --> 00:32:40,999 Massive relief. 512 00:32:44,880 --> 00:32:46,919 Oh, muddy laundry. 513 00:32:47,000 --> 00:32:49,359 Take it over to the table. 514 00:32:49,440 --> 00:32:52,159 See what we've got here. Hang on. 515 00:32:52,240 --> 00:32:54,919 That's pretty nice. 516 00:32:55,000 --> 00:32:56,719 A bit of that reddy stuff. 517 00:32:56,800 --> 00:32:59,599 That's all right. Look at that fire. 518 00:32:59,680 --> 00:33:04,359 Ooh! Wow, that'll cut an absolute cracker. 519 00:33:04,440 --> 00:33:08,119 Heaps of red in here. That's a nice big bit, that one. 520 00:33:08,200 --> 00:33:10,759 Like that? Oh, yeah, that bit. 521 00:33:10,840 --> 00:33:13,119 Just keeps popping out. 522 00:33:13,200 --> 00:33:17,719 'The Blacklighters have found white and crystal opal, 523 00:33:17,800 --> 00:33:20,439 featuring highly valued reds. 524 00:33:20,520 --> 00:33:24,839 It's in the rough and weighs 1kg.' 525 00:33:24,920 --> 00:33:27,399 What do you reckon, Marcus? 526 00:33:27,480 --> 00:33:30,159 Hm. I'm sure there'll be some time when 527 00:33:30,240 --> 00:33:32,879 we'll be living off two-minute noodles. 528 00:33:32,960 --> 00:33:35,159 But not today? Not today, man. 529 00:33:35,240 --> 00:33:38,119 I reckon, 15 grand easy. ! 530 00:33:38,200 --> 00:33:42,799 I do, man. That's not a bad effort. Yes! So there's an excavator. 531 00:33:42,880 --> 00:33:44,639 There's an excavator. 532 00:33:44,720 --> 00:33:46,639 Good job, boys. 533 00:33:46,720 --> 00:33:49,439 Happy with this week, after the week we've had. 534 00:33:49,520 --> 00:33:53,479 There's big things to come for The Blacklight boys, I reckon. 535 00:33:53,560 --> 00:33:56,439 Yes! Let's go get this excavator. 536 00:33:56,520 --> 00:33:59,319 It gives us another chance to chase the dream. 537 00:33:59,400 --> 00:34:02,399 Every opal miner wants to find a big pocket. 538 00:34:02,480 --> 00:34:06,399 The excavator gives us a massive chance to do that. 539 00:34:09,600 --> 00:34:13,639 Between the two tailouts, we need to find something today. 540 00:34:13,720 --> 00:34:17,879 We spent the last few weeks getting set up for that second set of gear, 541 00:34:17,960 --> 00:34:19,679 poured money into that. 542 00:34:19,760 --> 00:34:24,079 We kind of need a bit of a payout today to keep us going. 543 00:34:24,160 --> 00:34:30,239 'With two machines running, and costs doubling to $2,000 a week, 544 00:34:30,320 --> 00:34:34,279 the Cheals are washing two loads of sandstone in separate agitators, 545 00:34:34,360 --> 00:34:39,359 removing the clay to reveal nobbies - small, dense balls of opal.' 546 00:34:41,600 --> 00:34:44,039 I didn't see many flashes of colour. 547 00:34:44,120 --> 00:34:47,999 We can't dig for nothing. We need to get paid, you know? 548 00:34:48,080 --> 00:34:49,919 It's stressful. 549 00:34:50,000 --> 00:34:54,839 The tailout this morning, the dirt from underneath the Z-fault, 550 00:34:54,920 --> 00:34:58,239 wasn't very good, I was a bit disappointed with it. 551 00:34:58,320 --> 00:35:00,039 Not any money at all. 552 00:35:00,120 --> 00:35:04,519 Hopefully, we get something out of the dirt that Rory's digging. 553 00:35:04,600 --> 00:35:07,439 If we do, it'll keep things going. 554 00:35:07,520 --> 00:35:10,319 We just need one stone that will pay. 555 00:35:16,320 --> 00:35:19,439 There's good-sized nobbies in here though. 556 00:35:19,520 --> 00:35:22,599 There's got to be a couple with colour. 557 00:35:22,680 --> 00:35:25,759 There's lots of material, we need the nobbies. 558 00:35:25,840 --> 00:35:27,999 We're hoping, in here somewhere, 559 00:35:28,080 --> 00:35:30,839 there might be a couple with colour in them. 560 00:35:30,920 --> 00:35:33,919 Bound to be. Oh, here's one. 561 00:35:34,000 --> 00:35:36,359 Go away! Look at that! 562 00:35:36,440 --> 00:35:39,879 That one's got colour on it. Jesus! 563 00:35:39,960 --> 00:35:44,679 That's a bonker, mate, look at it. Hang on. Oh, look at that! 564 00:35:44,760 --> 00:35:47,599 You found his little brother. It's clean too. 565 00:35:47,680 --> 00:35:50,839 There you go, boys, I might have got pick of the crop. 566 00:35:50,920 --> 00:35:53,159 Holy jeez! No! 567 00:35:53,240 --> 00:35:56,479 Black! Some of the best colour I've seen out of the claim. 568 00:35:56,560 --> 00:36:00,679 Gone from the to the penthouse, eh? 569 00:36:02,000 --> 00:36:05,519 Boys, go away. No, what? 570 00:36:05,600 --> 00:36:09,079 What's that, a bone? Holy - 571 00:36:09,160 --> 00:36:12,319 No! It just keeps coming! 572 00:36:12,400 --> 00:36:15,279 Look at that! That's a pearler! 573 00:36:17,160 --> 00:36:20,439 Think we've finally got some pocket money, bro? 574 00:36:20,520 --> 00:36:25,279 Beats working for nothing, like we have been the last few weeks. Woo! 575 00:36:25,360 --> 00:36:27,719 I'm so relieved. 576 00:36:27,800 --> 00:36:31,679 I'm stoked. Got my heart racing, that's for sure. 577 00:36:35,960 --> 00:36:40,319 'The Cheals have nobby opal, mostly blue-green, 578 00:36:40,400 --> 00:36:42,479 with flashes of rare red. 579 00:36:42,560 --> 00:36:45,959 It's in the rough, and there's 450g.' 580 00:36:46,040 --> 00:36:50,399 If you were to sell it in the rough, it's at least 15 grand. 581 00:36:50,480 --> 00:36:52,399 Easy, I reckon. 582 00:36:52,480 --> 00:36:54,839 Not a bad payday, boys. 583 00:36:54,920 --> 00:36:58,679 I reckon we bloody deserve it, that's for sure. 584 00:36:58,760 --> 00:37:01,159 That is a super result. 585 00:37:01,240 --> 00:37:04,239 We're just starting out there. How good is that? 586 00:37:04,320 --> 00:37:09,479 Steak and a beer tonight, boys. I might even get half a dozen oysters. 587 00:37:09,560 --> 00:37:11,239 What? 588 00:37:14,680 --> 00:37:18,799 I was the one who dug it out, so, pretty happy with that. 589 00:37:18,880 --> 00:37:21,759 The boys will have to shout me a few beers. 590 00:37:21,840 --> 00:37:23,999 Tired but stoked. 591 00:37:24,080 --> 00:37:28,559 We're a little bit under par for the first half of the season, 592 00:37:28,640 --> 00:37:31,799 but we took a risk, getting that second set of gear set up, 593 00:37:31,880 --> 00:37:35,519 and it's paid off straightaway, so, unreal. 594 00:37:35,600 --> 00:37:39,159 We're gearing up for a really good second half of the season. 595 00:37:39,240 --> 00:37:42,159 The boys are stoked, I'm stoked. We worked hard. 596 00:37:42,240 --> 00:37:45,639 It's unbelievable, it's what it's all about. 597 00:37:45,720 --> 00:37:48,359 Just can't wait to get back into it. 598 00:37:55,280 --> 00:37:57,759 I'm trying to get an idea of value 599 00:37:57,840 --> 00:38:01,039 from what we've mined over the last few days. 600 00:38:01,120 --> 00:38:04,639 I need an indication of what's inside these nuts. 601 00:38:04,720 --> 00:38:08,559 'On a diamond-edged saw, Isaac is cutting through 602 00:38:08,640 --> 00:38:12,239 The Opal Whisperers' first haul of Koroit nuts, 603 00:38:12,320 --> 00:38:15,279 unique opal found nowhere else in the world.' 604 00:38:15,360 --> 00:38:17,359 Nothing so far. 605 00:38:17,440 --> 00:38:20,439 If somebody brings me really good-quality rough, 606 00:38:20,520 --> 00:38:23,799 I wouldn't touch it unless I talked to Isaac. 607 00:38:23,880 --> 00:38:28,119 He doesn't just pay attention to one part of the opal, 608 00:38:28,200 --> 00:38:31,599 he studies the complete opal itself. 609 00:38:31,680 --> 00:38:34,879 Ultimately, he is my opal cutter. 610 00:38:34,960 --> 00:38:38,479 My heart is beating pretty fast right now. 611 00:38:38,560 --> 00:38:43,399 The material, that's a means to the next step in our journey. 612 00:38:43,480 --> 00:38:45,599 We want to get our own mine. 613 00:38:45,680 --> 00:38:47,679 Anything, brother? 614 00:38:49,240 --> 00:38:53,119 Empty. Oh, no, really? We had a good feeling about that one. 615 00:38:53,200 --> 00:38:57,679 Occasionally, that's full of opal, that's what we're looking for. 616 00:38:57,760 --> 00:39:00,319 Come on, baby, come on. 617 00:39:05,800 --> 00:39:08,319 What have you got? Pattern and colour. 618 00:39:08,400 --> 00:39:11,799 There we go. Yeah, beautiful pattern. 619 00:39:15,480 --> 00:39:19,479 Look at the colour there. That's a good piece, put that aside. 620 00:39:19,560 --> 00:39:22,279 Like a perfect little egg. Beautiful. 621 00:39:22,360 --> 00:39:26,159 You don't really see the magic of these stones 622 00:39:26,240 --> 00:39:29,199 until you get to a sanding wheel, 623 00:39:29,280 --> 00:39:33,119 that's when they start to really gleam and come into their own. 624 00:39:33,200 --> 00:39:35,639 'To prepare the opal for sale, 625 00:39:35,720 --> 00:39:38,679 the team need to return to their home in Yowah, 626 00:39:38,760 --> 00:39:43,639 90km away, to Isaac's cutting workshop and polishing wheels.' 627 00:39:43,720 --> 00:39:48,079 I want the rest of the year off, after dealing with you lot. 628 00:39:52,040 --> 00:39:54,039 Baby, I'm home! 629 00:39:54,120 --> 00:39:59,119 Finally in my opal-cutting lair, the opal caravan, 630 00:39:59,200 --> 00:40:02,079 and getting to know my little friends. 631 00:40:02,160 --> 00:40:07,559 All right, you'll be first for sure. She wants to show her true colours. 632 00:40:09,400 --> 00:40:11,919 'Isaac, The Opal Whisperer, 633 00:40:12,000 --> 00:40:15,679 has six polishing wheels with different grades 634 00:40:15,760 --> 00:40:17,759 of diamond-impregnated abrasion, 635 00:40:17,840 --> 00:40:21,359 using the smoother wheels for the final opal polish.' 636 00:40:28,960 --> 00:40:33,239 Check this out, man. I'm just about to expose the colour from the top. 637 00:40:33,320 --> 00:40:38,639 If you're pressing too hard on that, ironstone is superhard but brittle, 638 00:40:38,720 --> 00:40:40,559 it can crack, shatter. 639 00:40:40,640 --> 00:40:45,559 It's tempting to grind right into it, but you've got to go slow, 640 00:40:45,640 --> 00:40:49,919 that's the first rule, and the second rule is, go slower. 641 00:40:54,720 --> 00:40:57,319 Wow. Yeah. See that red? 642 00:40:57,400 --> 00:40:58,879 Yeah. 643 00:41:05,360 --> 00:41:09,959 'In six hours, Isaac shapes 12 Koroit nut stones 644 00:41:10,040 --> 00:41:13,399 featuring the full spectrum of colours in the patterning. 645 00:41:13,480 --> 00:41:17,839 They've been polished, and there's 175g.' 646 00:41:17,920 --> 00:41:20,239 I've got a couple of nuts here as well 647 00:41:20,320 --> 00:41:22,679 that we found at the bottom of the bucket. 648 00:41:22,760 --> 00:41:26,119 Who knows what's inside? Probably empty, like the others. 649 00:41:26,200 --> 00:41:28,199 Lift this for us, Chris. 650 00:41:34,840 --> 00:41:37,639 Check this one out. Oh, Jesus! 651 00:41:37,720 --> 00:41:41,399 Wait, wait - sun, water. Check this out in the sun. 652 00:41:41,480 --> 00:41:43,999 Oh, dude! Grab Sofia, get her. Sof! 653 00:41:44,080 --> 00:41:47,039 Is she coming? She's gone off somewhere. 654 00:41:47,120 --> 00:41:50,279 Mate! Oh, man! 655 00:41:50,360 --> 00:41:56,159 Oh, dude, that is the most inky blue, that is absolutely electric! 656 00:41:56,240 --> 00:41:57,719 Woo! 657 00:41:57,800 --> 00:42:01,519 Out of all the random, empty nuts, that's what this material does. 658 00:42:01,600 --> 00:42:06,479 I'm so glad you were there to see that, yes, yes. Brilliant! 659 00:42:06,560 --> 00:42:12,119 'Expert opal dealer Sofia can now value the stones. 660 00:42:12,200 --> 00:42:16,279 As the opal came from Rod's mine, he'll get the majority, 661 00:42:16,360 --> 00:42:19,359 with The Whisperers taking a 30% share.' 662 00:42:19,440 --> 00:42:23,039 We've got our dragon eggs. Wow, yeah! 663 00:42:23,120 --> 00:42:25,679 That's what I got finished in a day. 664 00:42:25,760 --> 00:42:27,999 Those are our king stones here. 665 00:42:28,080 --> 00:42:30,519 The fire in these are real kickers, wow! 666 00:42:30,600 --> 00:42:32,639 Patterns are not enough alone. 667 00:42:32,720 --> 00:42:36,199 We're looking for red colour, everyone loves red, 668 00:42:36,280 --> 00:42:38,919 and some other supportive colours. 669 00:42:39,000 --> 00:42:41,879 If you get that rainbow across something 670 00:42:41,960 --> 00:42:46,719 that has interesting natural artwork, then you're on the money. 671 00:42:46,800 --> 00:42:49,919 What do you reckon? All together... 672 00:42:50,000 --> 00:42:54,039 50... $57,250. What's our share of that? 673 00:42:54,120 --> 00:42:56,599 So just over 17 grand. Yeah. 674 00:42:56,680 --> 00:42:58,519 That's for us together? 675 00:42:58,600 --> 00:43:01,159 A good start. Oh, my God. 676 00:43:01,240 --> 00:43:03,079 That's what we came here for, 677 00:43:03,160 --> 00:43:04,879 so, sick. Really good work. 678 00:43:08,000 --> 00:43:10,079 I always get crushed. 679 00:43:10,160 --> 00:43:13,479 Sofia, I'm buzzing. Yeah, bro, we did it. 680 00:43:13,560 --> 00:43:16,559 I've got so much relief running through me right now. 681 00:43:16,640 --> 00:43:20,799 $17,000 to $18,000, which is really great. 682 00:43:20,880 --> 00:43:23,799 The boys are pumped, we're closer to our goal - 683 00:43:23,880 --> 00:43:25,959 having our own mine in Yowah. 684 00:43:26,040 --> 00:43:29,519 Today was one of the best days of my life. 685 00:43:29,600 --> 00:43:35,719 We put in a very hard time working, but it made it all feel worthwhile. 686 00:43:35,800 --> 00:43:39,079 I'm lost for words, it was incredible. 687 00:43:56,040 --> 00:43:58,039 subtitles by Deluxe 687 00:43:59,305 --> 00:44:59,824 Watch Online Movies and Series for FREE www.osdb.link/lm