"Outback Opal Hunters" Wild Wild West

1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:02,519 . 2 00:00:02,600 --> 00:00:05,599 Look at that, that's pissing out. It's serious. 3 00:00:05,680 --> 00:00:09,279 NARRATOR: Rookie Justin has cracks in his equipment... 4 00:00:09,360 --> 00:00:11,999 I don't think we should be here. 5 00:00:12,080 --> 00:00:15,679 ..and his relationships. Don't keep asking too many questions. 6 00:00:16,840 --> 00:00:19,079 Col's Crew are a man down... 7 00:00:20,720 --> 00:00:24,839 ..on their last drum of fuel. Where's that opal? 8 00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:28,279 In the wild west, new team The Fire Crew 9 00:00:28,360 --> 00:00:29,959 are on a wild goose chase... 10 00:00:30,040 --> 00:00:32,159 How are you gonna remember where you're going? 11 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:35,479 ..hunting a bounty of fabled fire opal. This way. 12 00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:40,999 Look at that! ALL: Oh! You beauty! 13 00:00:42,000 --> 00:00:48,074 Watch Online Movies and Series for FREE www.osdb.link/lm 14 00:01:13,160 --> 00:01:16,919 Coober Pedy, South Australia... 15 00:01:17,000 --> 00:01:19,639 Dry, desolate, remote. 16 00:01:20,960 --> 00:01:23,919 Temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius... 17 00:01:25,680 --> 00:01:29,359 ..but hidden beneath the desert sand, white opal... 18 00:01:30,400 --> 00:01:32,839 ..one of the world's most coveted jewels. 19 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:37,999 Rookie miner Justin Lang has returned for the mining season. 20 00:01:38,080 --> 00:01:42,519 But this time, he's on his own with partner Dan stuck at home. 21 00:01:42,600 --> 00:01:44,279 I've got so much stuff to do here, 22 00:01:44,360 --> 00:01:46,399 that I'd rather get that out of the way, 23 00:01:46,480 --> 00:01:48,079 and then I've got a clear window, 24 00:01:48,160 --> 00:01:50,679 I can go up and then do a bit more mining. 25 00:01:51,480 --> 00:01:54,559 JUSTIN: I sort of feel like I'm in a bit of a limbo at the moment. 26 00:01:54,640 --> 00:01:57,119 Because I live and breathe opal, 27 00:01:57,200 --> 00:02:00,399 I'm gonna keep mining anyway with or without Dan. 28 00:02:00,480 --> 00:02:02,759 I wanna take it to the next level. 29 00:02:02,840 --> 00:02:05,919 At a little used mine field, known as Five Mile, 30 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:08,319 Justin has found promising signs. 31 00:02:10,760 --> 00:02:12,759 Oh, far out! 32 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:17,079 To secure a claim, miners must get their pegs 33 00:02:17,160 --> 00:02:19,439 in an available section of mine field, 34 00:02:19,520 --> 00:02:22,599 pay $300 for a year's registration 35 00:02:22,680 --> 00:02:25,199 and whatever they find, they can keep. 36 00:02:27,080 --> 00:02:30,679 Before he commits to the site, Justin hopes to get some advice 37 00:02:30,760 --> 00:02:33,279 from mentor John Dunstan. 38 00:02:33,360 --> 00:02:35,079 I went out to Five Mile, 39 00:02:35,160 --> 00:02:37,719 just thought I'd look around at different places, 40 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:40,199 and came across this trace last night... 41 00:02:40,280 --> 00:02:42,679 Mm, it's nice chunky material. Yeah. 42 00:02:42,760 --> 00:02:44,799 Oh, mate, this looks exciting. 43 00:02:44,880 --> 00:02:48,159 The rocks contain traces of good colour. 44 00:02:48,240 --> 00:02:50,959 The only thing, is I went back out there this morning, 45 00:02:51,040 --> 00:02:54,039 and I saw some fresh tyre tracks. 46 00:02:54,120 --> 00:02:56,879 And I reckon someone might be either following me, 47 00:02:56,960 --> 00:03:00,039 or maybe just wondering what I'm doing out there. 48 00:03:00,120 --> 00:03:02,439 Well, there's people looking around all the time. 49 00:03:02,520 --> 00:03:05,159 They're all desperate to find opal. 50 00:03:05,240 --> 00:03:07,959 You can't leave it. This sort of trace is just too good. 51 00:03:08,040 --> 00:03:10,199 You gotta peg the claim, make sure you got it. 52 00:03:10,280 --> 00:03:15,439 Justin has already lost one rich claim this season. 53 00:03:15,520 --> 00:03:19,159 This could just be the replacement he badly needs. 54 00:03:20,120 --> 00:03:22,479 If I don't get those pegs in the ground right now, 55 00:03:22,560 --> 00:03:24,999 I could lose it, because there is fresh tyre tracks, 56 00:03:25,080 --> 00:03:27,079 someone's been watching us... 57 00:03:29,040 --> 00:03:31,039 What the hell is that? 58 00:03:32,240 --> 00:03:34,919 What the hell? Look at this person up here. 59 00:03:36,440 --> 00:03:38,479 I better bloody get this thing pegged. 60 00:03:38,560 --> 00:03:40,999 I'm gonna watch what this guy is doing. 61 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:43,919 I'm gonna 'em up as quick as I can, so excuse me, 62 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:46,799 I'm gonna have to run. He knows that I wanna peg this. 63 00:03:46,880 --> 00:03:48,879 I don't want him to try and jump in. 64 00:03:58,600 --> 00:04:00,799 You need to get to a doctor, mate. 65 00:04:00,880 --> 00:04:02,799 In Opalton, Queensland, 66 00:04:02,880 --> 00:04:06,999 Col Duff has been struck down with Barmah Forest virus. 67 00:04:07,080 --> 00:04:08,799 Spread by mosquitoes, 68 00:04:08,880 --> 00:04:12,279 it can cause weeks of debilitating fevers and chills. 69 00:04:12,360 --> 00:04:14,359 There's not much we can do for him now. 70 00:04:14,440 --> 00:04:18,239 Just gotta get back out there and do some digging and find a bit of opal. 71 00:04:18,320 --> 00:04:20,319 With Col now recuperating, 72 00:04:20,400 --> 00:04:23,719 best mates Greg and Aaron continue to dig alone 73 00:04:23,800 --> 00:04:26,039 at the open-cut mine, Dragon Fly... 74 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:29,639 ..previously owned by Aaron's dad, 75 00:04:29,720 --> 00:04:33,279 and locked up for years in a family dispute. 76 00:04:33,360 --> 00:04:37,439 Me and my brother and sister come to an agreement to start digging again. 77 00:04:37,520 --> 00:04:39,559 All right, mate. Give it all. 78 00:04:39,640 --> 00:04:42,479 Hopefully, we find a bit of opal and I can pay the family out 79 00:04:42,560 --> 00:04:44,559 and keep the dream alive. 80 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:49,159 But we must keep digging, and that's what we'll do. 81 00:04:49,240 --> 00:04:52,799 Hopefully Col will be all right and he might catch us up in a couple of days. 82 00:04:52,880 --> 00:04:55,159 The show must go on, mate. 83 00:04:55,240 --> 00:05:00,839 With a target of $120,000 and zero profit so far, 84 00:05:00,920 --> 00:05:04,799 Aaron and Greg have dug 15 metres down to the opal level. 85 00:05:04,880 --> 00:05:07,479 Well, we gotta get into it. I wanna get through this level 86 00:05:07,560 --> 00:05:10,639 and find opal here to try to get some money within the next month. 87 00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:14,599 They're hunting for boulder opal, 88 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:20,479 found in solid brown ironstone and worth up to $4,000 a carat. 89 00:05:20,560 --> 00:05:22,639 That's just a fifth of a gram. 90 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:27,159 Over millions of years, water seeping underground 91 00:05:27,240 --> 00:05:30,359 picks up silica from the surrounding sandstone, 92 00:05:30,440 --> 00:05:33,039 feeding it into cracks and voids in the rocks, 93 00:05:33,120 --> 00:05:35,599 gradually hardening to form opal. 94 00:05:36,760 --> 00:05:39,639 In the wall there, there's nice feeders and white things. 95 00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:42,519 And every time we've found opal, we've got feeders above it. 96 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:44,959 Inside the dark ironstone rocks, 97 00:05:45,040 --> 00:05:47,559 is where Queensland boulder opal is found. 98 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:53,719 Any one rock could contain a fortune. 99 00:05:53,800 --> 00:05:58,319 But the only way to find it is breaking each one by hand. 100 00:05:58,400 --> 00:06:00,759 Where is that opal? 101 00:06:02,440 --> 00:06:04,439 ! 102 00:06:13,960 --> 00:06:18,319 With no finds this season, the boys are fast running out of cash. 103 00:06:19,960 --> 00:06:22,119 I've gotta find opal, otherwise, I think... 104 00:06:22,200 --> 00:06:24,279 I don't know what'll happen, you know. 105 00:06:24,360 --> 00:06:27,519 A bit of luck, we'll get there. Only take one rock and there it is. 106 00:06:27,600 --> 00:06:30,599 It'll be there, just keep moving that dirt. 107 00:06:34,240 --> 00:06:38,239 Nah, I've done a tooth on the bucket. 108 00:06:39,440 --> 00:06:41,999 Yet another blow... I've done a tooth. 109 00:06:43,120 --> 00:06:45,119 I only just noticed it. 110 00:06:46,240 --> 00:06:48,519 ..they need to find the missing tooth, 111 00:06:48,600 --> 00:06:51,439 or risk damaging the bucket. 112 00:06:51,520 --> 00:06:53,959 Well, it was on it when I scratched over there. 113 00:07:04,880 --> 00:07:09,759 Over 2,000 km to the west, a family of treasure hunters 114 00:07:09,840 --> 00:07:13,319 are risking it all on a new source of opal. 115 00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:16,399 Yeah, it's gonna be a very interesting dig today. 116 00:07:16,480 --> 00:07:19,079 Yee-haw! Meet the Piromanskis, 117 00:07:19,160 --> 00:07:22,079 aka the Fire Crew. 118 00:07:22,160 --> 00:07:24,839 Firefighter Adam and his partner Cassidy 119 00:07:24,920 --> 00:07:26,959 are at the beginning of a new venture. 120 00:07:27,040 --> 00:07:29,919 If we find opal out there, that means the gamble we're taking 121 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:32,159 is gonna pay off. CASSIDY: I'm a total rookie, 122 00:07:32,240 --> 00:07:35,079 but I'm a quick learner I guess. I don't mind getting dirty. 123 00:07:35,160 --> 00:07:38,119 We don't really bicker, we, like, laugh as much as we can, 124 00:07:38,200 --> 00:07:40,719 make fun of each other, and there's no BS really. 125 00:07:40,800 --> 00:07:44,199 It's a little calendar of Adam. Mr March... 126 00:07:44,280 --> 00:07:46,759 Not only was he Mr March, but he's on the cover. 127 00:07:46,840 --> 00:07:50,319 Adam and Cassidy are relying on dad Pete, 128 00:07:50,400 --> 00:07:53,599 professional prospector and Vietnam vet. 129 00:07:53,680 --> 00:07:58,479 I was blown-up, I walked into an ambush. I was forward scout. 130 00:07:58,560 --> 00:08:01,519 I've got two wounds through the right leg. One through the hip. 131 00:08:01,600 --> 00:08:04,479 Wife Vikki rounds off the team. 132 00:08:04,560 --> 00:08:07,879 She's the boss. My wife is the boss. That's it. 133 00:08:07,960 --> 00:08:10,039 VIKKI: We've been married over 30 years, 134 00:08:10,120 --> 00:08:13,559 so we're still together, so I think I deserve a medal for that. 135 00:08:13,640 --> 00:08:16,319 The family are gambling everything 136 00:08:16,400 --> 00:08:19,159 on finding rare fire opal. 137 00:08:20,160 --> 00:08:23,359 Ranging in colour from deep red to sunny yellow, 138 00:08:23,440 --> 00:08:27,439 it can be worth up to $1,400 a carat. 139 00:08:27,520 --> 00:08:29,719 It is the jewel of the outback, this stone. 140 00:08:30,600 --> 00:08:33,759 Western Australia is not known for precious opal, 141 00:08:33,840 --> 00:08:38,199 but on a camping trip, Pete found tantalising clues. 142 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:41,079 And in the morning, had my second coffee, 143 00:08:41,160 --> 00:08:43,399 my vision went in together... 144 00:08:43,480 --> 00:08:46,119 And I looked down and there was all this opal around me. 145 00:08:46,200 --> 00:08:49,599 The Fire Crew are heading into a new frontier. 146 00:08:50,680 --> 00:08:54,559 In this vast landscape, only a few pockets of fire opal 147 00:08:54,640 --> 00:08:56,639 have ever been discovered. 148 00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:02,879 Like other opal, fire opal is formed deep below ground. 149 00:09:04,200 --> 00:09:08,719 But millions of years of erosion has left fire opal near the surface. 150 00:09:10,160 --> 00:09:14,279 Exposed opal gets bleached by the brutal Australian sun 151 00:09:14,360 --> 00:09:16,359 making it almost worthless. 152 00:09:17,760 --> 00:09:22,119 They need to find fire opal that still has its colour. 153 00:09:25,040 --> 00:09:30,199 Adam and Cassidy have sunk $38,000, all their savings, 154 00:09:30,280 --> 00:09:33,319 into relocating Pete's potentially rich find. 155 00:09:34,400 --> 00:09:36,599 We're gonna look pretty silly if we go out there 156 00:09:36,680 --> 00:09:39,119 and all...all we've got is some worthless rocks. 157 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:41,519 I want a house, I want a home, I want a family, 158 00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:44,319 I wanna go on nice holidays, and I wanna do all of that. 159 00:09:44,400 --> 00:09:46,639 But that's all on hold. We wanna start a family, 160 00:09:46,720 --> 00:09:48,919 we're wanna start a business, and we're putting 161 00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:51,159 all that on hold to try and hit it big. 162 00:09:52,000 --> 00:09:53,999 With so much riding on this, 163 00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:58,279 they have a target of $120,000 this season. 164 00:10:00,680 --> 00:10:06,239 If Pete's hunch is wrong, they could lose everything they've invested. 165 00:10:06,320 --> 00:10:08,559 I trust the old man. I trust his instincts 166 00:10:08,640 --> 00:10:11,199 and what he's...what he's told me. But if he's wrong, 167 00:10:11,280 --> 00:10:13,279 that's thousands of dollars down the drain. 168 00:10:17,200 --> 00:10:19,919 It was a few years back I was out there, 169 00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:23,079 so we're going to attempt to get there again today. 170 00:10:23,160 --> 00:10:25,999 Among kilometres of dense bush, 171 00:10:26,080 --> 00:10:31,199 Pete has to find the original site and he's navigating by memory. 172 00:10:36,120 --> 00:10:39,439 If this doesn't work for us, that's... This way. 173 00:10:40,560 --> 00:10:44,159 ..three years and a house deposit down the drain. 174 00:10:46,120 --> 00:10:49,239 Right, there's a seam right there. I know. Beautiful stuff. 175 00:10:49,320 --> 00:10:52,519 It's all opal, even this here. Oh. 176 00:10:52,600 --> 00:10:54,679 With the surface trace good, 177 00:10:54,760 --> 00:10:56,919 time to dig for valuable colour. 178 00:10:57,000 --> 00:10:59,319 There's lots there. Have we got more? 179 00:11:10,040 --> 00:11:13,519 Digging this stuff out, it's like digging glass in concrete. 180 00:11:13,600 --> 00:11:16,399 Fire opal is encased in hard granite, 181 00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:18,719 but is incredibly fragile. 182 00:11:18,800 --> 00:11:20,799 You gotta find out which way it's running. 183 00:11:20,880 --> 00:11:23,719 If you don't come in from the side, and go straight on to it, 184 00:11:23,800 --> 00:11:25,239 you just smash it. 185 00:11:25,320 --> 00:11:26,799 Ah, I hit opal. 186 00:11:26,880 --> 00:11:29,559 VIKKI: You hit it? Oh, wow, let's have a look. 187 00:11:32,120 --> 00:11:36,919 Oh, I'm disappointed. It's still not good quality yet. 188 00:11:37,000 --> 00:11:40,439 It's not producing as well as we thought it was gonna be. 189 00:11:50,560 --> 00:11:53,999 I'm gonna get these pegs in the ground quick smart. 190 00:11:54,080 --> 00:11:57,959 At Five Mile opal field, Justin has to act fast. 191 00:11:59,600 --> 00:12:03,799 I reckon someone's bloody watching me out here. 192 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:06,679 Having already lost one claim, 193 00:12:06,760 --> 00:12:09,479 he has to get all four pegs into the ground... 194 00:12:09,560 --> 00:12:12,159 Ah, you mongrel! ..before the land is his. 195 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:22,559 Yeah, 100m that way, 50m that way, got two more to pegs put in. 196 00:12:31,080 --> 00:12:33,519 Last peg. Three down, one to go. 197 00:12:36,360 --> 00:12:40,079 All right. Here we go. Done. 198 00:12:41,520 --> 00:12:45,639 Finally. I got it. 199 00:12:47,600 --> 00:12:52,799 Justin's first solo claim is a 50-metre by 100-metre patch 200 00:12:52,880 --> 00:12:55,999 covered in dumps of rock from neighbouring claims. 201 00:12:57,600 --> 00:13:01,359 To get the opal-bearing rock below, the dumps will need to be shifted. 202 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:04,079 It looks like a fair bit of ground going underneath here. 203 00:13:04,160 --> 00:13:08,879 Enter John Dunstan, with his weighty 65-tonne bulldozer 204 00:13:08,960 --> 00:13:11,039 and its hefty hire charge. 205 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:14,359 John charges about $400 per hour for the bulldozer. 206 00:13:14,440 --> 00:13:17,639 So, in total, to clear this claim, to make it workable, 207 00:13:17,720 --> 00:13:19,719 it's gonna cost about $4,000. 208 00:13:19,800 --> 00:13:22,039 This is so exciting. I'm happy to invest 209 00:13:22,120 --> 00:13:24,439 that sort of money because I think it's worth it. 210 00:13:24,520 --> 00:13:26,839 I reckon there's gonna be big money on this claim. 211 00:13:28,920 --> 00:13:31,039 Game on. 212 00:13:32,200 --> 00:13:36,119 Oh, this is great. Look at him go. Oh, I love this day! 213 00:13:36,200 --> 00:13:38,399 He's gonna move a bloody mountain for me today. 214 00:13:38,480 --> 00:13:39,959 Open the ground right up, 215 00:13:40,040 --> 00:13:42,319 and hopefully there's a million bucks underneath. 216 00:13:42,400 --> 00:13:44,999 This is how you start a mining season. Boom, boom, boom. 217 00:13:45,080 --> 00:13:47,839 Make shit happen straight away. And I love it. 218 00:13:47,920 --> 00:13:50,159 I wish Dan could come here to see it. 219 00:13:51,640 --> 00:13:53,559 Hey, Justin. Hey, what's happened? 220 00:13:53,640 --> 00:13:56,759 I can't believe this. Have a look how much solid ground you've got. 221 00:13:56,840 --> 00:14:00,199 Really? It's all solid. All through here, it's all solid ground. 222 00:14:00,280 --> 00:14:03,559 Do you mean this is all virgin ground? Never been touched, mate. 223 00:14:03,640 --> 00:14:06,799 Virgin ground is every miner's dream. 224 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:11,119 To unlock the bounty below, Justin now needs his excavator, 225 00:14:11,200 --> 00:14:13,919 but it's stuck five miles away. 226 00:14:14,000 --> 00:14:16,799 I need to get out here, cos now the ground's just opened up, 227 00:14:16,880 --> 00:14:18,319 it's ready to go. 228 00:14:18,400 --> 00:14:20,319 It's like juicy, juicy ground. 229 00:14:20,400 --> 00:14:24,559 If I have to tow this excavator out with my car, I will. 230 00:14:35,200 --> 00:14:37,359 Oh, I've done a tooth on the bucket. 231 00:14:38,480 --> 00:14:40,439 Yeah, we'll have a good look for this one. 232 00:14:40,520 --> 00:14:44,239 You went last there, didn't you? Just in here. 233 00:14:44,320 --> 00:14:45,959 At Dragon Fly Mine, 234 00:14:46,040 --> 00:14:49,199 Aaron and Greg have lost a vital excavator tooth 235 00:14:49,280 --> 00:14:51,279 amongst tonnes of dirt. 236 00:14:51,360 --> 00:14:54,919 If you don't weld the teeth back on, you can't really dig properly. 237 00:14:55,000 --> 00:14:57,079 You use your teeth to break the rocks. 238 00:14:57,160 --> 00:15:00,159 I can clean it out and you just keep an eye out for the tooth. 239 00:15:00,240 --> 00:15:02,239 Righto. 240 00:15:30,680 --> 00:15:33,999 For now, the operation is stalled. 241 00:15:35,520 --> 00:15:38,319 Time to stock up and visit Col. 242 00:15:38,400 --> 00:15:41,479 Go to town today and buy some diesel and get some more food and... 243 00:15:41,560 --> 00:15:44,999 Take Col's car in for him. Yeah, and go and check out how he's going. 244 00:15:45,080 --> 00:15:48,039 Yeah. So, we'll take it in for him, at least he's got wheels. 245 00:15:48,120 --> 00:15:50,759 Drive it gently, of course, yes. Yeah. Mm-hm. 246 00:15:56,560 --> 00:15:58,559 Goes all right, eh? 247 00:16:03,600 --> 00:16:05,879 Oh, dusty. 248 00:16:19,200 --> 00:16:21,279 Oh, ! What? 249 00:16:22,560 --> 00:16:24,559 Look at that. 250 00:16:25,760 --> 00:16:27,759 Deep in Western Australia, 251 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:32,199 the Piromanskis are gambling their savings on finding fire opal. 252 00:16:34,600 --> 00:16:38,439 Adam and I have kinda thrown money at it, time at it. 253 00:16:39,520 --> 00:16:42,479 So, if we don't come up with anything... 254 00:16:42,560 --> 00:16:44,559 Oh, I don't know. 255 00:16:45,760 --> 00:16:49,559 The highest quality fire opal is a vivid burnt red 256 00:16:49,640 --> 00:16:52,039 or sunny yellow. 257 00:16:52,120 --> 00:16:54,639 The more transparent, the more valuable. 258 00:16:56,600 --> 00:17:00,119 The pocket of opal they're on has had its valuable colour 259 00:17:00,200 --> 00:17:02,199 bleached by the sun. 260 00:17:02,280 --> 00:17:07,719 It's not great stuff but the fact that it's producing that... 261 00:17:09,080 --> 00:17:12,719 ..on the surface...is good. 262 00:17:15,720 --> 00:17:20,399 Below the surface, they hope to find fire opal with colour. 263 00:17:20,480 --> 00:17:23,639 What I'll do is, I'll start drilling relief holes in here, 264 00:17:23,720 --> 00:17:25,959 so if things start sending cracks, 265 00:17:26,040 --> 00:17:28,639 it's gonna crack in the relief hole, not in the stone. 266 00:17:28,720 --> 00:17:30,959 Look at that. VIKKI: Yep. 267 00:17:31,040 --> 00:17:34,599 OK, so, there's a little bit here as well. See that? Yeah. 268 00:17:35,560 --> 00:17:38,799 So, this is the gamble that we run with this sort of stuff, 269 00:17:38,880 --> 00:17:42,199 is that you could be digging for the next two days, 270 00:17:42,280 --> 00:17:45,679 and it'll keep looking the same. And you could walk away, 271 00:17:45,760 --> 00:17:49,039 and maybe about that far away will be good quality stuff. 272 00:17:49,120 --> 00:17:51,199 So, it's a gamble. 273 00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:06,279 Hang on. No, that's just a...bit of the back. Yeah. 274 00:18:06,360 --> 00:18:08,359 A little rubbishy. Yeah. 275 00:18:08,440 --> 00:18:10,439 The pocket has come to an end. 276 00:18:10,520 --> 00:18:12,999 There's nothing of value. 277 00:18:13,080 --> 00:18:15,079 I'm gonna cut that genny. 278 00:18:16,640 --> 00:18:20,639 It happens. You can't get disappointed every single time 279 00:18:20,720 --> 00:18:23,559 it doesn't come up trumps, or else you'll do your head in. 280 00:18:23,640 --> 00:18:25,879 Just gotta move on. 281 00:18:25,960 --> 00:18:28,399 VIKKI: You have good days, you have bad days. 282 00:18:28,480 --> 00:18:31,239 This isn't really producing the way that we want to. 283 00:18:31,320 --> 00:18:35,599 No, it's not. Unfortunately, the actual pocket when it produced 284 00:18:35,680 --> 00:18:37,839 wasn't a fire opal. 285 00:18:38,640 --> 00:18:41,839 CASSIDY: For Adam and I, there's lots that we wanna do with our life. 286 00:18:41,920 --> 00:18:44,519 You know, holidays, house, have a family. 287 00:18:44,600 --> 00:18:47,759 So, taking time out to do this and throwing money into it... 288 00:18:47,840 --> 00:18:50,079 Yeah, it means that kind of all slows down a bit 289 00:18:50,160 --> 00:18:52,399 and kinda comes to a bit of a halt. 290 00:18:52,480 --> 00:18:55,599 With over 50 years experience prospecting, 291 00:18:55,680 --> 00:18:58,559 the pressure's on Pete to deliver. 292 00:18:58,640 --> 00:19:02,919 We're gonna go to a new area that I've uh...tried to scrub best route 293 00:19:03,000 --> 00:19:05,719 and then I found an old track that goes way out 294 00:19:05,800 --> 00:19:07,999 and then comes back in again to the escarpment. 295 00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:10,759 Pete's got an idea of where he wants to go. 296 00:19:10,840 --> 00:19:13,119 I think he's been there before, um... 297 00:19:13,200 --> 00:19:17,159 a while ago, so it's...I think now it's a case of finding it again. 298 00:19:18,560 --> 00:19:21,519 I've got a nice little handful of red opal there, 299 00:19:21,600 --> 00:19:23,199 so there should be more there. 300 00:19:23,280 --> 00:19:25,359 How are you gonna remember where you're going 301 00:19:25,440 --> 00:19:28,239 when you can't remember what you had for breakfast yesterday? 302 00:19:41,640 --> 00:19:43,439 The ground's just opened up now. 303 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:45,759 I wanna get an excavator to it pretty damn soon, 304 00:19:45,840 --> 00:19:48,159 because I know there's opal there... 305 00:19:48,240 --> 00:19:50,839 and I just can't get that machine from town to here. 306 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:55,439 In desperate need of his excavator to start mining, 307 00:19:55,520 --> 00:19:58,359 Justin needs a heavy transporter to move it. 308 00:19:59,480 --> 00:20:02,079 I just heard that you had access to a low-loader 309 00:20:02,160 --> 00:20:05,559 and I'm just half wondering whether that's something you do for, 310 00:20:05,640 --> 00:20:07,999 you know, different people at times in town. 311 00:20:13,280 --> 00:20:18,159 I tried a guy with a low-loader but he's uh...he's unavailable. 312 00:20:18,240 --> 00:20:20,839 But for Justin, arrangements will have to wait. 313 00:20:20,920 --> 00:20:24,039 He has another important rendezvous to make. 314 00:20:31,040 --> 00:20:34,239 One of the biggest things that's happened to me since last season, 315 00:20:34,320 --> 00:20:38,079 is I got engaged. Becky's decided to come up and visit me. 316 00:20:38,160 --> 00:20:41,959 She's flying up today and she is gonna probably come out 317 00:20:42,040 --> 00:20:44,559 and have a look at the claim and maybe help me 318 00:20:44,640 --> 00:20:47,239 move the excavator and do a few of these jobs. 319 00:20:47,320 --> 00:20:51,039 Hopefully, I can excite her enough to stay longer. 320 00:20:52,560 --> 00:20:55,079 Here she comes. It's exciting. Finally. 321 00:20:55,160 --> 00:20:57,999 I couldn't sleep last night cos I knew she's coming up today. 322 00:21:00,880 --> 00:21:02,759 Oh, this is the guy about the excavator. 323 00:21:02,840 --> 00:21:05,319 I'm just ringing about moving this excavator for you. 324 00:21:05,400 --> 00:21:07,719 When did you wanna move it? As soon as possible. 325 00:21:07,800 --> 00:21:10,959 Even this afternoon would be good if you...if you got time. 326 00:21:11,040 --> 00:21:13,519 Yeah, no, that's sweet. All right. That is good news. 327 00:21:13,600 --> 00:21:16,319 He reckons we could it this afternoon, get it on the field. 328 00:21:16,400 --> 00:21:19,119 Becky's arriving, and it's all happening. I love it! 329 00:21:19,200 --> 00:21:22,839 Hi, Beck. How you doing, darling? Oh! 330 00:21:24,960 --> 00:21:27,399 So good to see you. I know. 331 00:21:27,480 --> 00:21:29,239 Shall we head off to the hotel 332 00:21:29,320 --> 00:21:31,719 and then we'll go and get this excavator organised 333 00:21:31,800 --> 00:21:33,439 and head out to the field. 334 00:21:34,720 --> 00:21:37,919 Originally, she didn't like the idea of me going up to Coober Pedy 335 00:21:38,000 --> 00:21:40,839 because it's dangerous, you can get killed, 336 00:21:40,920 --> 00:21:42,959 there's lots of horror stories about people 337 00:21:43,040 --> 00:21:46,519 getting trapped underground or...all sorts of things can happen. 338 00:21:46,600 --> 00:21:48,839 I think her mind's starting to change 339 00:21:48,920 --> 00:21:52,359 because she can see the prospects of actually finding millions of dollars 340 00:21:52,440 --> 00:21:55,639 and bit by bit, I'm trying to get her to catch opal fever. 341 00:21:55,720 --> 00:21:59,519 Justin's love of opal...it's more like an obsession. 342 00:21:59,600 --> 00:22:03,999 Can't say I share the passion, but over the last few years 343 00:22:04,080 --> 00:22:06,479 I really felt the pull a little bit myself 344 00:22:06,560 --> 00:22:08,479 to come up and see what it was all about. 345 00:22:08,560 --> 00:22:11,159 So, I'm actually a bit excited myself to be here. 346 00:22:12,160 --> 00:22:15,239 Oh, my goodness. What do you reckon? 347 00:22:15,320 --> 00:22:18,119 It's smaller than what I expected it to be. 348 00:22:18,200 --> 00:22:21,079 Really? I mean it's not small, 349 00:22:21,160 --> 00:22:24,879 but I think from the pictures I was expecting it to be...bigger. 350 00:22:26,120 --> 00:22:29,759 While the excavator might not be big enough for Becky, 351 00:22:29,840 --> 00:22:32,959 it's still a big job to get it on to a low-loader. 352 00:22:37,840 --> 00:22:40,799 So, we've got a low-loader, we've got John moving the excavator. 353 00:22:40,880 --> 00:22:43,999 I would have Buckley's chance of trying to get that thing on there, 354 00:22:44,080 --> 00:22:46,479 cos it takes quite a lot of skill, as you can see. 355 00:22:54,080 --> 00:22:56,079 Yeah, no, it's serious. 356 00:23:17,120 --> 00:23:21,439 Aaron and Greg are making a 120km dash to town 357 00:23:21,520 --> 00:23:24,479 to pick up vital supplies in Col's car. 358 00:23:31,760 --> 00:23:33,879 First stop, Col's house. 359 00:23:35,720 --> 00:23:38,759 We'll go and see how he's going, eh? Yeah. 360 00:23:43,720 --> 00:23:47,359 Col has been diagnosed with Barmah Forest Virus 361 00:23:47,440 --> 00:23:52,279 with symptoms of fatigue and fever that can sometimes last months. 362 00:23:52,360 --> 00:23:56,039 Col maybe out of the opal fields for much of the season. 363 00:23:56,120 --> 00:23:58,759 How are you? How you going? 364 00:23:58,840 --> 00:24:00,439 Are you? That's no good. 365 00:24:02,160 --> 00:24:06,079 We've got a bit of cash for you to keep you going. catch up. 366 00:24:06,160 --> 00:24:09,399 Here, mate. Oh, thanks. 367 00:24:09,480 --> 00:24:12,879 We're probably just gonna get some diesel and come back. Yeah. 368 00:24:15,280 --> 00:24:18,759 You gotta get better. No point in coming out if you're sick like that. 369 00:24:18,840 --> 00:24:21,399 Good luck, eh. Thanks, Col. You take it easy, eh? 370 00:24:21,480 --> 00:24:24,199 Cheers, mate. Good luck. See you, mate. Yeah, no worries. 371 00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:32,519 Yeah. Buggered, eh? 372 00:24:32,600 --> 00:24:37,119 Back at Dragon Fly mine, Aaron gets to work on the excavator. 373 00:24:38,520 --> 00:24:41,239 We're welding the teeth back on the bucket. 374 00:24:41,320 --> 00:24:44,519 Cos one cracked and the other one was loose and come off, 375 00:24:44,600 --> 00:24:46,559 so we're just gonna weld 'em both on. 376 00:24:46,640 --> 00:24:49,479 Get 'em fixed, then that way we can get back to work. 377 00:24:54,680 --> 00:24:57,799 This drum of diesel is their last. 378 00:24:57,880 --> 00:24:59,879 Spin your pump around. 379 00:25:02,480 --> 00:25:04,959 Nah, you're right, you'll get it. 380 00:25:05,040 --> 00:25:09,239 With no opal, there's no money to keep the excavator digging. 381 00:25:09,320 --> 00:25:12,599 All done. Last drum of diesel, with a bit of luck, we get a payday. 382 00:25:14,320 --> 00:25:16,799 Righto, bud. Knock her out, mate. 383 00:25:16,880 --> 00:25:18,879 We wanna get through the ! 384 00:25:23,560 --> 00:25:27,919 Dirt, dirt, dirt... Where's that naughty opal? there. 385 00:25:34,560 --> 00:25:36,559 Yeah, mate. Have a look at that one. 386 00:25:36,640 --> 00:25:40,359 I think I can see red in that. Yeah, mate. Yeah, red for sure, Greg. 387 00:25:44,920 --> 00:25:49,239 Finally, the ironstone rock is showing promise. 388 00:25:49,320 --> 00:25:51,599 Is there a colour in it? Yeah, yeah. 389 00:25:52,920 --> 00:25:55,679 Oh, the opal colour in there. 390 00:25:55,760 --> 00:25:57,799 Yeah, nice trace, isn't it? 391 00:25:57,880 --> 00:25:59,879 Phillip will buy that. 392 00:26:03,120 --> 00:26:05,439 All right, now, put the rocks in. 393 00:26:05,520 --> 00:26:10,159 Just enough to make a parcel to sell to opal buyer Phillip Stone. 394 00:26:31,320 --> 00:26:33,679 PETE: Part of the way, the track wouldn't be there. 395 00:26:33,760 --> 00:26:36,239 But I do know the general direction. 396 00:26:36,320 --> 00:26:39,079 Pete Piromanski is leading his family 397 00:26:39,160 --> 00:26:43,879 to a rocky outcrop he's convinced holds valuable fire opal. 398 00:26:43,960 --> 00:26:48,359 Only problem is, he's navigating by memory. 399 00:26:52,240 --> 00:26:54,599 Is that all you know? Is that it? 400 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:03,239 You won't need that. It's on. Oh. 401 00:27:04,440 --> 00:27:07,559 They're all relying on veteran prospector Pete, 402 00:27:07,640 --> 00:27:10,239 and not just for his navigation. 403 00:27:10,320 --> 00:27:15,359 You need time, because you gotta try and make it back to camp. 404 00:27:15,440 --> 00:27:16,999 If you leave too late, it's dark, 405 00:27:17,080 --> 00:27:19,279 you won't find your way back through the scrub. 406 00:27:19,360 --> 00:27:22,359 So, you know, you gotta really have your wits about you out here. 407 00:27:30,880 --> 00:27:32,879 Eureka. 408 00:27:38,800 --> 00:27:40,599 Go up through here. 409 00:27:40,680 --> 00:27:43,839 It's gonna be exciting, this one. Be interesting to see what we see. 410 00:27:46,120 --> 00:27:48,639 Right, there's a seam right there. 411 00:27:48,720 --> 00:27:51,599 Look at that. It's clear as daylight. 412 00:27:51,680 --> 00:27:55,399 That's got me excited. Hard, hard, nice definite seam. 413 00:27:55,480 --> 00:27:57,639 Oh, look at that. 414 00:27:57,720 --> 00:27:59,759 Whilst it's a large deposit, 415 00:27:59,840 --> 00:28:03,559 the exposed opal has been discoloured by the sun. 416 00:28:03,640 --> 00:28:06,079 It's worthless. But beneath it, 417 00:28:06,160 --> 00:28:09,559 they hope is the valuable colour they're looking for. 418 00:28:10,720 --> 00:28:14,799 We'll try and follow this, it might go into a bit of a pocket. 419 00:28:14,880 --> 00:28:17,079 Just follow the trace. Yep. 420 00:28:17,160 --> 00:28:20,039 This is very, very hard rock, and Adam's gonna earn his keep. 421 00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:30,479 Thought we'd fixed it. I hope it's not a big problem. 422 00:28:30,560 --> 00:28:32,759 If it's a big problem like a pump or something, 423 00:28:32,840 --> 00:28:36,319 it's gonna cost me 20 grand to buy and 20 grand to fix it. 424 00:28:36,400 --> 00:28:40,799 Justin and fiancee Becky have a problem on their hands. 425 00:28:40,880 --> 00:28:44,119 This is where the uh... The mental resilience kicks in. 426 00:28:45,360 --> 00:28:47,439 And I'm already being tested. 427 00:28:48,480 --> 00:28:51,039 Time is money. The truck and trailer 428 00:28:51,120 --> 00:28:55,639 hired to move the excavator is costing $250 an hour. 429 00:28:55,720 --> 00:29:00,239 All right, we're gonna load it like it is. I know, it's not locked. 430 00:29:00,320 --> 00:29:04,639 That's fine. I can do that. OK, so, we gotta get loaded quick. 431 00:29:05,960 --> 00:29:08,559 The excavator is wider than the trailer. 432 00:29:08,640 --> 00:29:11,359 If John is just a few centimetres off line, 433 00:29:11,440 --> 00:29:14,839 the 25-tonne machine will come crashing down. 434 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:18,999 This is the trickiest part when the counter balance comes over. 435 00:29:19,080 --> 00:29:21,199 Watch this. It's gonna tip. 436 00:29:30,120 --> 00:29:32,119 It's definitely a hose gone. 437 00:29:32,200 --> 00:29:34,879 So I won't be mining this afternoon? No. 438 00:29:34,960 --> 00:29:39,039 Everyday Justin can't dig, he sinks deeper into debt. 439 00:29:50,120 --> 00:29:53,359 The excavator's arrived to the claim and I'm pretty bloody excited. 440 00:29:53,440 --> 00:29:55,519 The only other thing is we've sprung a leak. 441 00:29:55,600 --> 00:29:57,679 That's gonna cause another setback. 442 00:29:57,760 --> 00:30:00,759 And uh...we won't be mining today, which is a bit disappointing. 443 00:30:00,840 --> 00:30:03,639 So, if we get that fixed today, we might be mining tomorrow. 444 00:30:03,720 --> 00:30:05,319 Fingers crossed. 445 00:30:05,400 --> 00:30:07,759 For the newly engaged mining couple, 446 00:30:07,840 --> 00:30:09,839 it's the first test. 447 00:30:09,920 --> 00:30:14,319 If we can't mentally or financially handle 448 00:30:14,400 --> 00:30:19,599 a few busted pipes or hoses, then I don't think we should be here. 449 00:30:21,080 --> 00:30:24,519 Hopefully, it's just this, and then we can go mining, 450 00:30:24,600 --> 00:30:28,519 heads up from there, stay positive, find some opal. 451 00:30:36,240 --> 00:30:39,039 I wanna get digging straight away, cos there's opal. 452 00:30:39,120 --> 00:30:42,279 I'm ready to go. I spent money getting this whole happening. 453 00:30:55,800 --> 00:30:58,799 We need every piece to make the parcel. 454 00:30:58,880 --> 00:31:02,679 Aaron and Greg are getting ready for buyer Phillip Stone. 455 00:31:02,760 --> 00:31:05,599 They're hoping this find will earn them enough diesel 456 00:31:05,680 --> 00:31:08,479 to keep digging. Yeah, that's nice crystal. 457 00:31:08,560 --> 00:31:13,479 It's beautiful for an opal. It's classic Opalton boulder opal, 458 00:31:13,560 --> 00:31:16,759 worth up to $4,000 a carat retail. 459 00:31:19,040 --> 00:31:23,239 Their find has colours from blue-green to more valuable red, 460 00:31:23,320 --> 00:31:24,919 but it's in the rough, 461 00:31:25,000 --> 00:31:28,439 and there are only a few trace shards in the stones, 462 00:31:28,520 --> 00:31:31,879 bringing the value to just $1,000 to $2,000 dollars. 463 00:31:34,160 --> 00:31:37,679 They need at least $1,500 from buyer Phillip 464 00:31:37,760 --> 00:31:40,159 to keep their operation running. 465 00:31:46,440 --> 00:31:50,199 Here's Phillip, now. Is it? Yeah. See how he's going, eh? 466 00:31:50,280 --> 00:31:52,519 How you going, Phillip? Good, thanks, Greggy. 467 00:31:52,600 --> 00:31:55,279 How are you, mate? No, I didn't want a biscuit. 468 00:31:55,360 --> 00:31:57,639 Do you want a cup of coffee? No, thank you. 469 00:31:57,720 --> 00:32:00,879 No? No coffee. Just buying and on the run! 470 00:32:00,960 --> 00:32:05,479 You're pretty busy today, eh? That's the one. Yeah. I see. Yes, I am. 471 00:32:05,560 --> 00:32:08,919 We've got a bit of a product there. It's not... A lot of it's... 472 00:32:09,000 --> 00:32:12,519 But like you like. Like, seconds. There's some nice pieces there. OK. 473 00:32:12,600 --> 00:32:14,359 At least it's colour this time, eh. 474 00:32:14,440 --> 00:32:16,999 Me and Greg spent about a month taking the top off, 475 00:32:17,080 --> 00:32:19,919 we've just been on level now for about three days. Yeah. 476 00:32:22,240 --> 00:32:25,279 They're a bit woody, and... But nice trace, isn't it? 477 00:32:26,840 --> 00:32:29,519 Oh, that's the best of it, just there. That little pile. 478 00:32:31,640 --> 00:32:34,039 Any water here? Yeah. 479 00:32:35,560 --> 00:32:37,919 That's our king stones, them two. 480 00:32:39,280 --> 00:32:43,039 Lovely colour, eh? It is, isn't it? Just to, kind of, make. 481 00:32:43,120 --> 00:32:45,919 Yeah. Yeah. And this stuff's free? 482 00:32:46,760 --> 00:32:49,959 Well, it all depends. Yeah, by the opal, cracks come free. 483 00:32:50,040 --> 00:32:52,079 Yeah. You know that, eh? 484 00:32:52,160 --> 00:32:55,879 It's boulder opal. It's boulder, but it's sorta wood replacement, 485 00:32:55,960 --> 00:33:00,159 pipey stuff, you know, in places and...but the colour is good. 486 00:33:00,240 --> 00:33:02,599 You know? Colour's bright. 487 00:33:02,680 --> 00:33:05,919 And what's the grand total for this? Well... 488 00:33:07,360 --> 00:33:11,599 ..I'd like to get $3,000 for it. Look at that one. 489 00:33:15,200 --> 00:33:17,479 And what was the real price, did you say? 490 00:33:17,560 --> 00:33:20,359 Three grand, wasn't it? Three grand. When? 491 00:33:20,440 --> 00:33:23,639 Well, that was... That was the asking price, wasn't it? 492 00:33:23,720 --> 00:33:26,039 Well, what were you thinking, Phillip? 493 00:33:26,120 --> 00:33:28,119 I don't know. Two grand? 494 00:33:30,440 --> 00:33:32,879 What do you reckon, Aaron? 495 00:33:32,960 --> 00:33:34,999 Could you... Look... 496 00:33:35,080 --> 00:33:37,439 Are you happy with 2,000? 497 00:33:37,520 --> 00:33:41,359 If you are, you know. You know the money's there. 498 00:33:41,440 --> 00:33:44,039 Sure, that's the deal. All right, mate. Done. 499 00:33:44,120 --> 00:33:46,359 Two thousand? Yeah, 2,000. All right, thank you. 500 00:33:46,440 --> 00:33:49,679 And next time we get something, you can have first bite of the cherry. 501 00:33:50,640 --> 00:33:54,079 With a target of $120,000, 502 00:33:54,160 --> 00:33:58,199 this sale of $2,000 is a lifeline. 503 00:33:58,280 --> 00:34:01,679 I've been through this a few times. I've thought, "Oh, bugger this." 504 00:34:01,760 --> 00:34:05,959 And then as soon as you feel down and out, you get opal. 505 00:34:06,040 --> 00:34:10,399 I've been mining boulder opal for 30 years, and I'm used to it. 506 00:34:10,480 --> 00:34:13,719 You just gotta battle on with it, don't let it beat you. 507 00:34:13,800 --> 00:34:15,479 Always keep an open mind. 508 00:34:15,560 --> 00:34:20,079 There's been plenty of dark times. I've had to sell cars to stay here. 509 00:34:22,200 --> 00:34:25,639 But it didn't matter, we had more money for diesel and kept going. 510 00:34:28,400 --> 00:34:31,559 Gotta get some money in the next few weeks actually. 511 00:34:31,640 --> 00:34:34,079 Leases and...yeah, keep digging. 512 00:34:36,680 --> 00:34:40,119 If they don't find good opal in the next few weeks, 513 00:34:40,200 --> 00:34:41,919 it could break them. 514 00:34:42,000 --> 00:34:44,679 Be good to us, today...and the opal Gods. 515 00:34:44,760 --> 00:34:47,959 No pressure, no pressure. 516 00:35:04,360 --> 00:35:07,359 Desperate to start digging his new claim, 517 00:35:07,440 --> 00:35:12,199 Justin's leaking money fixing his secondhand excavator. 518 00:35:20,680 --> 00:35:23,199 Just looking forward to digging my first bloody hole. 519 00:35:23,280 --> 00:35:25,599 Spending money like it's going out of fashion. 520 00:35:25,680 --> 00:35:27,319 Just staying up here for nothing. 521 00:35:27,400 --> 00:35:29,719 You can't have any little bits 522 00:35:29,800 --> 00:35:32,479 going in the hydraulic system. No. 523 00:35:32,560 --> 00:35:35,919 Well, finicky bloody thing. 524 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:41,599 Start it up now. Uh...make sure we've haven't got any leaks. 525 00:35:45,480 --> 00:35:48,199 Working all right? All good. 526 00:35:48,280 --> 00:35:50,319 Yes! No leaks here. 527 00:35:50,400 --> 00:35:55,159 You can go back, we'll put the plates back on. Back it up... 528 00:35:56,920 --> 00:36:01,359 Really? Today? Yeah. Oh, yes! 529 00:36:01,440 --> 00:36:05,399 Whoa, wicked! Oh, wow. 530 00:36:05,480 --> 00:36:11,119 Justin can finally break ground on his very first solo claim. 531 00:36:12,960 --> 00:36:16,559 No wonder, there's not many miners out here, cos it's just pretty hard. 532 00:36:16,640 --> 00:36:21,959 To try and find opal under the ground is a tough gig. 533 00:36:22,040 --> 00:36:24,999 And I've got a whole lot more respect for miners now. 534 00:36:25,080 --> 00:36:27,399 Proper miners. It's not easy. 535 00:36:27,480 --> 00:36:31,799 Now all he needs is to find opal. 536 00:36:37,680 --> 00:36:42,399 Next morning, another expensive hydraulic leak. 537 00:36:42,480 --> 00:36:44,639 Look at that, that's pissing out. 538 00:36:44,720 --> 00:36:48,479 I didn't think it was so bad. It's not even a drip, it's like a squirt. 539 00:36:48,560 --> 00:36:53,039 With the $20,000 excavator down... Not my day. 540 00:36:53,120 --> 00:36:58,159 ..for Justin and Becky, there's only one way left to dig. 541 00:36:58,240 --> 00:37:00,239 We keep digging. 542 00:37:03,760 --> 00:37:08,319 New to mining, Becky's starting to think there must be a better way. 543 00:37:08,400 --> 00:37:11,559 I feel like, it's... 544 00:37:11,640 --> 00:37:14,519 ..a needle in a haystack sort of scenario. 545 00:37:14,600 --> 00:37:18,359 Sort of struggling to visualise what you're seeing. 546 00:37:18,440 --> 00:37:22,519 I just think it'd be interested to know, three-dimensionally, where that slide is going. 547 00:37:22,600 --> 00:37:26,319 I'll show you a picture. So, how can we know for sure... That's what I'm saying. 548 00:37:26,400 --> 00:37:29,879 Just... OK, don't keep asking too many questions. 549 00:37:29,960 --> 00:37:31,639 Why not? Cos I'm learning as well. 550 00:37:31,720 --> 00:37:35,919 This is so different to what I'm used to underground, cos I know where exactly the opal is, 551 00:37:36,000 --> 00:37:39,239 on that level, underground, you drill in, you dig it out. 552 00:37:39,320 --> 00:37:41,839 Here, it's, like... It could be anywhere. 553 00:37:41,920 --> 00:37:45,079 It's just a nightmare. It's just a never-ending problem. 554 00:37:45,160 --> 00:37:47,559 It feels like the dirt doubles when you dig it out. 555 00:37:47,640 --> 00:37:49,759 You know, one hole becomes a mountain. 556 00:37:52,640 --> 00:37:55,519 With tens of thousands of dollars on the line, 557 00:37:55,600 --> 00:37:58,199 and not a scrap of opal in sight, 558 00:37:58,280 --> 00:38:02,879 for Justin and Becky, it's looking like a long, expensive climb. 559 00:38:13,280 --> 00:38:17,519 Ooh. Adam, what's this? 560 00:38:17,600 --> 00:38:21,639 No way. It's so thick from this side. Look at that. 561 00:38:21,720 --> 00:38:25,039 That is good-sized. I'm the man! 562 00:38:25,120 --> 00:38:30,079 For the Piromanskis, there are good signs in a pocket of fire opal. 563 00:38:30,160 --> 00:38:33,839 But the fragile gem is trapped in hard granite. 564 00:38:33,920 --> 00:38:38,079 Digging fire opal out; it's not an easy task at all. 565 00:38:40,240 --> 00:38:43,839 You can't take a jackhammer too close to it, cos you'll shatter it. 566 00:38:45,720 --> 00:38:48,759 I've broken many of the beautiful pieces into two pieces 567 00:38:48,840 --> 00:38:51,479 just cos I was too impatient to get it out. 568 00:38:51,560 --> 00:38:56,079 So, what I'm trying to do here is create myself a ledge, 569 00:38:56,160 --> 00:38:59,359 so I can come in with a spade bit... Just cut away at it. 570 00:38:59,440 --> 00:39:01,439 Take nice big chunks away. 571 00:39:09,240 --> 00:39:12,199 Look at that. 572 00:39:15,240 --> 00:39:18,959 It looks like that seam is running underneath that way. 573 00:39:19,040 --> 00:39:20,639 It's all just full of opal. 574 00:39:20,720 --> 00:39:24,479 So, I'm gonna have to try and dig underneath it and lift it up. 575 00:39:24,560 --> 00:39:26,559 Hopefully, in a couple of large pieces. 576 00:39:32,320 --> 00:39:35,039 Oh, look at it underneath. Can we lift it? Yeah. 577 00:39:36,920 --> 00:39:39,959 Look at that. You beauty! 578 00:39:41,440 --> 00:39:45,439 Look at the size of that. Whoo-hoo! 579 00:39:45,520 --> 00:39:48,759 Well done. That is the jackpot. 580 00:39:48,840 --> 00:39:52,559 Look at that. That'd be a one-off. Nothing like that's been discovered in the world. 581 00:39:52,640 --> 00:39:56,199 Oh, my God! Look, look, look, look. 582 00:39:56,280 --> 00:39:58,959 That is huge. 583 00:40:00,160 --> 00:40:02,839 Oh, my God! Look at this one. 584 00:40:02,920 --> 00:40:05,799 It's all still one piece. There. Oh, my God. 585 00:40:05,880 --> 00:40:09,119 Oh, Adam, you've done so - Look at that! 586 00:40:09,200 --> 00:40:11,719 Look at that one! That is insane. 587 00:40:16,120 --> 00:40:18,519 That is huge. That is insane. 588 00:40:20,680 --> 00:40:26,759 The Fire Crew have unearthed a massive 15kg of fire opal. 589 00:40:30,440 --> 00:40:32,559 I just wanted to keep lifting that rock up 590 00:40:32,640 --> 00:40:35,399 and it just keep popping out. It was like a treasure chest. 591 00:40:35,480 --> 00:40:37,679 Yeah, I'm super proud of Mum and Dad. 592 00:40:37,760 --> 00:40:41,319 Finding a pocket like that, that's one in a million. 593 00:40:41,400 --> 00:40:45,839 I'm just blown away how big the pocket was. 594 00:40:55,200 --> 00:40:58,639 Back at camp, it's time to estimate the value. 595 00:41:00,200 --> 00:41:02,759 So, day one... PETE: I'm over the moon. 596 00:41:02,840 --> 00:41:06,079 But it's hard to put a price on it until it's cut. Yeah. 597 00:41:06,160 --> 00:41:11,319 Too much moisture in it. It'll shatter. It won't break clean. 598 00:41:11,400 --> 00:41:14,079 But as a miner, miner's price, 599 00:41:14,160 --> 00:41:17,839 I wouldn't sell all that under $30,000. 600 00:41:17,920 --> 00:41:21,639 Thirty grand today? Pay for the fuel and the beer. 601 00:41:21,720 --> 00:41:26,519 Their target this season is $120,000. 602 00:41:26,600 --> 00:41:32,559 This estimated $30,000 haul sees them off to a flying start. 603 00:41:34,000 --> 00:41:36,999 We'll get out there and follow it and see what else we can get. 604 00:41:37,080 --> 00:41:40,159 Absolutely. Imagine. VIKKI: Group hug. Good work, guys. 605 00:41:40,240 --> 00:41:42,199 Well done. Group hug. 606 00:41:42,280 --> 00:41:45,719 That's what we need. Well done. Awesome. Yeah. 607 00:41:59,120 --> 00:42:01,679 Becky has been up here for about a week now. 608 00:42:01,760 --> 00:42:04,759 She has to go back home. See you, my darling. 609 00:42:04,840 --> 00:42:08,279 Love you so much. I love you, too. All right. 610 00:42:08,360 --> 00:42:11,759 Find some opal. Wish me luck. I might need it. 611 00:42:11,840 --> 00:42:13,839 All right. 612 00:42:15,680 --> 00:42:18,439 See you. 613 00:42:19,640 --> 00:42:23,079 By myself again. It's a bit hard. 614 00:42:24,440 --> 00:42:28,559 Working out here on my own is gonna be pretty damn lonely. 615 00:42:28,640 --> 00:42:32,479 It's dangerous, you don't have any help when you need it. 616 00:42:32,560 --> 00:42:35,919 You know, it's just sort of hard to get yourself motivated everyday. 617 00:42:41,360 --> 00:42:43,799 It's always nice to have someone just to pick you up 618 00:42:43,880 --> 00:42:46,079 when you're...you know, down here. 619 00:42:51,000 --> 00:42:54,399 Hey, hey! Hey! Hey, Dan. Knock-knock. 620 00:42:54,480 --> 00:42:58,999 Hey, mate, how are you? How are you going? Good to see you. 621 00:42:59,080 --> 00:43:01,519 Come on in. See the new dugout. 622 00:43:01,600 --> 00:43:04,279 This is the pad, huh? Yeah, this is what Johnny gave us, 623 00:43:04,360 --> 00:43:07,079 so come on in, have a look. Oh, my God. Yeah. 624 00:43:07,160 --> 00:43:11,479 Oh, wow. So, this is our new place, yeah? What do you reckon? 625 00:43:11,560 --> 00:43:14,559 Oh, my God. Hey, how long are you here for? 626 00:43:14,640 --> 00:43:18,359 Well, I've got seven days, not a day more. Yep. 627 00:43:18,440 --> 00:43:21,319 It's short but we can do it. I know. 628 00:43:21,400 --> 00:43:25,759 We'll find opal. Yeah. We'll find opal, but first, 629 00:43:25,840 --> 00:43:28,439 I wanna give this a go. You're up for it? 630 00:43:28,520 --> 00:43:31,479 Yeah, why not? Chuck your bag there. Bloody oath... Foosball. 631 00:43:31,560 --> 00:43:33,599 I'll get you. 632 00:43:40,000 --> 00:43:44,919 Whoa! Yeah! Welcome back. Let's go and find some opal. 633 00:43:45,000 --> 00:43:47,879 All right, let's do it. Bloody beautiful. 634 00:43:56,400 --> 00:43:58,399 subtitles by Deluxe 634 00:43:59,305 --> 00:44:59,824 Watch Online Movies and Series for FREE www.osdb.link/lm