"Outback Opal Hunters" Battling Back

1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:03,519 'On Outback Opal Hunters...' 2 00:00:03,600 --> 00:00:04,959 Oh, my God! 3 00:00:05,040 --> 00:00:07,439 'The Fire Crew's season is on a knife edge...' 4 00:00:07,520 --> 00:00:08,999 I have no doubt that I smashed it. 5 00:00:09,080 --> 00:00:12,439 '..as they struggle to unearth a record-breaking opal haul.' 6 00:00:12,520 --> 00:00:14,759 Nice crack! Oh, look at that! 7 00:00:14,840 --> 00:00:16,839 Look at that! 8 00:00:16,920 --> 00:00:19,239 The world hasn't seen anything like this! 9 00:00:19,320 --> 00:00:22,839 'With cash dwindling, the Opal Queen digs underground...' 10 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:25,119 All it's doing at the moment is costing money. 11 00:00:25,200 --> 00:00:28,359 '..battling rock hard walls alone on a desperate hunt.' 12 00:00:28,440 --> 00:00:31,959 You're looking for something the size of your fingernail could be worth $10,000. 13 00:00:32,040 --> 00:00:34,759 Woo-hoo! Opal! That's awesome! 14 00:00:34,840 --> 00:00:38,559 'And the Boulder Boys abandon their busted drill...' 15 00:00:38,640 --> 00:00:40,879 What's happened is this clutch has worn out. 16 00:00:40,960 --> 00:00:44,319 '..and hunt for surface opal, one rock at a time.' 17 00:00:44,400 --> 00:00:46,399 Boys, come and have a look at this. 18 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:48,519 Wow, look at that. 19 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:56,074 Do you want subtitles for any video? -=[ ai.OpenSubtitles.com ]=- 20 00:01:18,280 --> 00:01:21,279 'In the arid Western Australian Outback, 21 00:01:21,360 --> 00:01:24,959 the brutal 50-degree heat of summer is fast approaching 22 00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:28,559 and with it, the end of the opal mining season. 23 00:01:28,640 --> 00:01:32,559 The Fire Crew are on a last desperate hunt for opal.' 24 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:35,199 We've got a few days left. It's our last chance to do it. 25 00:01:35,280 --> 00:01:37,359 If we're going to do it, we've got to do it now. 26 00:01:37,440 --> 00:01:40,999 'Firefighter Adam Piromanski and partner Cassidy Ricketts 27 00:01:41,080 --> 00:01:43,479 are hoping to set themselves up for the future.' 28 00:01:43,560 --> 00:01:45,639 We risked all our sort of savings 29 00:01:45,720 --> 00:01:48,879 for the potential of finding something. 30 00:01:48,960 --> 00:01:50,959 If we find opal out there, 31 00:01:51,040 --> 00:01:53,559 that means the gamble we're taking is going to pay off. 32 00:01:53,640 --> 00:01:57,959 Be careful of the ants cos they crawled in my glove and they bite. 33 00:01:58,040 --> 00:02:02,519 'Veteran prospectors, Pete and Vikki Piromanski, are Adam's parents.' 34 00:02:02,600 --> 00:02:05,399 Did you remember my tobacco? Yes. 35 00:02:05,480 --> 00:02:08,079 'They're about to wrap up their first season 36 00:02:08,160 --> 00:02:10,719 hunting fire opal as a family business.' 37 00:02:10,800 --> 00:02:12,799 Been a bit of a rollercoaster, hasn't it? 38 00:02:12,880 --> 00:02:14,879 We've had our good days, bad days. 39 00:02:14,960 --> 00:02:16,959 Look at that! 40 00:02:17,040 --> 00:02:19,039 You beauty! 41 00:02:19,120 --> 00:02:22,079 'Six months ago, in a remote location, 42 00:02:22,160 --> 00:02:26,519 they hit a pocket of yellow fire opal worth $30,000... 43 00:02:27,960 --> 00:02:29,959 ..or so they hoped.' 44 00:02:31,080 --> 00:02:33,199 We didn't have as much stone as we thought we had. 45 00:02:33,280 --> 00:02:35,359 And after cleaning it up, you know. 46 00:02:35,440 --> 00:02:37,439 That's all we got out of it. That's it. 47 00:02:37,520 --> 00:02:39,519 Oh! It's not as much as we thought. 48 00:02:39,600 --> 00:02:41,959 'The rough opal was of high quality, 49 00:02:42,040 --> 00:02:44,879 but Adam has just made a disastrous discovery.' 50 00:02:44,960 --> 00:02:46,959 This piece here, if you look into it, 51 00:02:47,040 --> 00:02:49,639 there's little hairline fractures in it. 52 00:02:49,720 --> 00:02:51,919 And that just breaks your heart, you know. 53 00:02:54,360 --> 00:02:58,039 'Formed deep underground in granite millions of years ago, 54 00:02:58,120 --> 00:03:00,839 fire opal is created under pressure. 55 00:03:00,920 --> 00:03:03,479 It expands when freed from the rock. 56 00:03:03,560 --> 00:03:07,439 And 60% of the Fire Crew's haul has cracked. 57 00:03:10,160 --> 00:03:12,519 The family are suddenly behind their target, 58 00:03:12,600 --> 00:03:14,919 with the season nearly over.' 59 00:03:17,800 --> 00:03:21,039 I think we should be going back there, because I... 60 00:03:21,120 --> 00:03:23,119 No. No, no. I... 61 00:03:23,200 --> 00:03:25,199 Now look, look, look, look. No. 62 00:03:25,280 --> 00:03:27,319 I reckon there's a lot more opal still there. 63 00:03:27,400 --> 00:03:30,759 It's going to cost us about at least minimal five grand to go out there. 64 00:03:30,840 --> 00:03:33,959 I just think it's too amazing to not go back out there 65 00:03:34,040 --> 00:03:36,439 and give it one more shot. We know where it is. 66 00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:39,479 We're not wasting fuel and time looking for it. That's true. 67 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:42,239 Get organised. Vote, vote! 68 00:03:42,320 --> 00:03:44,679 Hands up to go. Two... 69 00:03:46,360 --> 00:03:49,839 Got it! 70 00:03:49,920 --> 00:03:53,959 For us, we're always looking at the numbers to see if it is worth it. 71 00:03:54,040 --> 00:03:57,719 We're a young couple. We've got massive bills starting our lives. 72 00:03:57,800 --> 00:04:00,839 60% of wastage, if that's the norm, then we're going to need to find 73 00:04:00,920 --> 00:04:04,159 a fricking -load of opal this time out there, to make it worth it. 74 00:04:04,240 --> 00:04:06,239 We really do. 75 00:04:09,240 --> 00:04:11,399 '70km from Laverton 76 00:04:11,480 --> 00:04:14,199 is the Fire Crew's off-the-grid basecamp. 77 00:04:14,280 --> 00:04:16,599 But the location of their original find 78 00:04:16,680 --> 00:04:19,839 is 50km deeper into the Outback, 79 00:04:19,920 --> 00:04:22,919 far from any help should something go wrong.' 80 00:04:24,000 --> 00:04:26,719 Look at these chunks. This is what we've got to get out. 81 00:04:27,800 --> 00:04:30,879 'Ranging in colour from deep red to sunny yellow, 82 00:04:30,960 --> 00:04:35,679 fire opal can be worth up to $1,400 a carat.' 83 00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:38,279 Adam thinks it's going this way into the hill. 84 00:04:38,360 --> 00:04:41,599 So, if he digs up here, he can lift it up that way. 85 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:47,319 'Unlike other opal, normally found in sandstone or ironstone, 86 00:04:47,400 --> 00:04:50,519 fire opal is trapped within cement-like granite. 87 00:04:50,600 --> 00:04:55,559 The only way Adam can free it is with a battered 15-year-old jackhammer.' 88 00:04:55,640 --> 00:04:58,879 I had a bit of a burning smell, so it had me a little bit concerned. 89 00:05:04,680 --> 00:05:07,759 This is cutting out. Eh? It's cutting out? 90 00:05:10,760 --> 00:05:12,879 There. 91 00:05:12,960 --> 00:05:16,159 Oh, yeah, hang on. That one's a bit loose, I reckon. 92 00:05:17,480 --> 00:05:19,479 OK. Try that, Adam. 93 00:05:26,840 --> 00:05:29,119 Is it broken? Yeah. 94 00:05:29,200 --> 00:05:31,199 The handle cooked itself. 95 00:05:31,280 --> 00:05:34,519 So, that's...no good to us now. 96 00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:36,679 'It's the only jackhammer they've got. 97 00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:43,879 If they can't fix it, their season is over, with $5,000 wasted. 98 00:05:47,520 --> 00:05:49,799 2,000km to the east, 99 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:52,919 Dragonfly claim, Opalton. 100 00:05:54,960 --> 00:05:58,119 The Boulder Boys, Aaron, Greg and Ron, 101 00:05:58,200 --> 00:06:03,159 are working a promising area of the lease called The Pit.' 102 00:06:05,280 --> 00:06:08,199 Every time you dug a hole and you found 80 grand's worth of opal, 103 00:06:08,280 --> 00:06:10,279 you'd be in the Bahamas, wouldn't you? 104 00:06:10,360 --> 00:06:12,359 You wouldn't be in the -ing hole! 105 00:06:12,440 --> 00:06:16,399 'They've been digging exploration holes looking for opal trace, 106 00:06:16,480 --> 00:06:19,759 to give them a clue where to start mining.' 107 00:06:21,920 --> 00:06:23,839 What's wrong, mate? Fire, electrical. 108 00:06:23,920 --> 00:06:24,999 Look at it, Ron! 109 00:06:25,080 --> 00:06:29,559 'But a fire came dangerously close to destroying the truck and drill. 110 00:06:35,840 --> 00:06:41,719 Despite setbacks, the boys have made over $100,000 so far. 111 00:06:41,800 --> 00:06:46,439 For Aaron, mining on Dragonfly claim is especially important. 112 00:06:46,520 --> 00:06:49,639 He's worked here since he was a boy with his dad.' 113 00:06:49,720 --> 00:06:53,279 AARON: Dad passed away about nearly two years ago 114 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:55,399 and the family's, sort of, given me an option 115 00:06:55,480 --> 00:06:57,479 to buy the place off them, which is good. 116 00:06:57,560 --> 00:06:59,559 I want to keep going with what Dad was doing. 117 00:07:01,880 --> 00:07:03,919 'But with the truck's electrics blown, 118 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:06,319 the drill can't move anywhere.' 119 00:07:06,400 --> 00:07:09,319 It's one wire that's completely burnt out. 120 00:07:09,400 --> 00:07:14,239 'The wiring is vital, supplying power from the battery to the ignition. 121 00:07:14,320 --> 00:07:17,439 120km from the nearest town, 122 00:07:17,520 --> 00:07:19,519 they'll have to fix it themselves 123 00:07:19,600 --> 00:07:21,759 with whatever spare parts they can find.' 124 00:07:21,840 --> 00:07:26,039 We've got to replace these two, Ron, and then one back up to the key. 125 00:07:30,240 --> 00:07:32,559 Need to run him over the other side. 126 00:07:32,640 --> 00:07:35,879 'First, the new wire is fed from the battery to the starter motor.' 127 00:07:35,960 --> 00:07:38,959 Keep coming. More. OK. You're there. 128 00:07:39,040 --> 00:07:44,119 'Next, a lug, a conductive fitting's soldered onto both ends of the wire 129 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:46,239 ensuring a strong connection.' 130 00:07:49,480 --> 00:07:52,119 We're connected now, all connected. 131 00:07:52,200 --> 00:07:54,359 Oh, we're going to connect the batteries up 132 00:07:54,440 --> 00:07:56,879 and see if we have a meltdown. No! It should be right. 133 00:07:59,440 --> 00:08:01,439 OK. 134 00:08:01,520 --> 00:08:04,319 You got the terminal on, Greg? Yeah, she's all hooked up. 135 00:08:04,400 --> 00:08:07,319 Try her, eh? OK, Ron. I'm going to turn it on. 136 00:08:10,600 --> 00:08:12,679 Yes! That's our mechanic! 137 00:08:12,760 --> 00:08:15,599 The bill will be coming out in the mail. I'll get you a beer. 138 00:08:15,680 --> 00:08:18,759 No worries! Now we'll be right to drill some holes. 139 00:08:20,840 --> 00:08:23,079 'Aaron decides on some virgin ground, 140 00:08:23,160 --> 00:08:27,039 next to where his dad found opal decades ago.' 141 00:08:27,120 --> 00:08:29,839 We know it's here somewhere, because we can see the old dumps. 142 00:08:29,920 --> 00:08:31,919 It's as good as any. Yeah. 143 00:08:33,800 --> 00:08:37,959 'The drill can go to a depth of 10m in ten minutes.' 144 00:08:38,040 --> 00:08:40,039 Might have to bar it! 145 00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:42,839 'But the clutch is jammed.' 146 00:08:42,920 --> 00:08:44,919 I'll bar it! 147 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:47,159 What's happened is this plug's just worn out. 148 00:08:47,240 --> 00:08:50,359 'The clutch holds and releases the drill rod. 149 00:08:50,440 --> 00:08:53,919 If it's broken, the rod could tear free from its cable, 150 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:55,999 risking life and machinery.' 151 00:08:56,080 --> 00:08:58,119 It's . 152 00:08:58,200 --> 00:09:00,199 'Having only just fixed the wiring, 153 00:09:00,280 --> 00:09:04,919 the clutch failure could mean an end to the Boulder Boys' mining season. 154 00:09:07,040 --> 00:09:10,439 900km south... 155 00:09:10,520 --> 00:09:13,799 Lightning Ridge, Outback New South Wales. 156 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:22,879 The landscape bakes under the hottest Australian summer on record. 157 00:09:24,920 --> 00:09:27,159 It's 45 in the shade. 158 00:09:27,240 --> 00:09:30,039 There's just drought, dust 159 00:09:30,120 --> 00:09:33,439 and the Opal Queen, Kelly Tishler.' 160 00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:37,359 Everyone's just packed up and they've all left. 161 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:40,079 It's like a ghost town out there at the moment. 162 00:09:40,160 --> 00:09:44,039 'Kelly is heading to her Alcos claim for one final dig, 163 00:09:44,120 --> 00:09:46,799 to decide whether she should renew the lease.' 164 00:09:46,880 --> 00:09:49,199 I know that there's opal somewhere there. 165 00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:52,079 But I don't think we're on the opal yet, 166 00:09:52,160 --> 00:09:56,639 cos it's just a bit pocketty and it's presenting so many problems. 167 00:09:58,760 --> 00:10:02,199 'Alcos is a 100x200m claim, 168 00:10:02,280 --> 00:10:05,999 with a shallow 3m shaft and several tunnels.' 169 00:10:07,080 --> 00:10:09,079 The lease is about to run out. 170 00:10:09,160 --> 00:10:11,319 I think once the word spreads around town, 171 00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:13,439 it's going to be a bit of a hot area. 172 00:10:13,520 --> 00:10:17,599 And once it becomes hot, everyone wants to get out there. 173 00:10:17,680 --> 00:10:19,759 'If Kelly doesn't renew the lease, 174 00:10:19,840 --> 00:10:22,439 another miner could come in and take the claim 175 00:10:22,520 --> 00:10:25,719 and with it, whatever opal remains behind.' 176 00:10:25,800 --> 00:10:28,239 The pressure with it is that if we don't have opal, 177 00:10:28,320 --> 00:10:30,359 we don't have business. 178 00:10:30,440 --> 00:10:33,999 'For Kelly, making the right decision is what pays the bills 179 00:10:34,080 --> 00:10:36,879 and puts food on the table for her three children.' 180 00:10:38,560 --> 00:10:41,559 All the indicators show that there was going to be good opal here. 181 00:10:41,640 --> 00:10:45,639 And it started off OK, but I'm not in love with Alcos at the moment. 182 00:10:45,720 --> 00:10:47,999 But one good stone, and that'll change. 183 00:10:50,240 --> 00:10:54,399 'Kelly is on the hunt for black opal, Lightning Ridge's speciality, 184 00:10:54,480 --> 00:10:58,919 worth up to $35,000 a carat, just a fifth of a gram.' 185 00:11:00,360 --> 00:11:03,199 All opal mines, to run and work them, they cost money. 186 00:11:03,280 --> 00:11:06,079 And this, all it's doing at the moment is costing money. 187 00:11:06,160 --> 00:11:13,159 'So far this season, Kelly has made $48,000 of her $150,000 target.' 188 00:11:13,240 --> 00:11:17,519 Come so far with it. May as well have a look and see what we can find. 189 00:11:17,600 --> 00:11:20,079 I need a little bit of inspiration we can find something, 190 00:11:20,160 --> 00:11:22,199 then I'll go hard on that lease. 191 00:11:22,280 --> 00:11:25,999 'Partners Dwayne and Mark are tied up on another claim. 192 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:30,279 In the dangerous world of underground mining, Kelly is on her own.' 193 00:11:31,480 --> 00:11:33,879 It's been closed up for a bit. So, just got to make sure 194 00:11:33,960 --> 00:11:36,359 that the ladders are right. 195 00:11:36,440 --> 00:11:39,719 I've told Dwayne where I'm at, so someone knows where I am. 196 00:11:39,800 --> 00:11:41,959 And we're not all that deep, 197 00:11:42,040 --> 00:11:44,919 so it's probably a bit warmer than normal. 198 00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:47,039 A million things could go wrong. 199 00:11:47,120 --> 00:11:50,159 Could be a snake down here, part of the mine could've collapsed. 200 00:11:50,240 --> 00:11:52,359 Yeah, just got to be aware what you're doing. 201 00:12:01,640 --> 00:12:03,799 Yeah, it looks like Wolverine's been up here! 202 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:06,959 Got this big machine just clawing along, 203 00:12:07,040 --> 00:12:10,559 and it's just getting harder and harder and harder. 204 00:12:12,360 --> 00:12:15,999 'Armed with just a pick, Kelly needs to find opal 205 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:18,559 in the fissures and cracks within the rock.' 206 00:12:18,640 --> 00:12:21,719 You're looking for something the size of your fingernail 207 00:12:21,800 --> 00:12:23,959 could be worth $10,000. 208 00:12:24,040 --> 00:12:26,599 You know, and it's hard sometimes when you're digging, 209 00:12:26,680 --> 00:12:29,439 it could be hiding just behind a millimetre of white dirt. 210 00:12:29,520 --> 00:12:31,519 So, we come along and check the walls. 211 00:12:31,600 --> 00:12:34,599 So, I've just got to try and find something out of this wall... 212 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:38,239 ..to justify if I go for a lease again. 213 00:12:41,480 --> 00:12:43,559 I'm looking for something to sparkle at me. 214 00:12:54,840 --> 00:12:57,879 'Over a hundred kilometres from the nearest town... 215 00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:02,759 ..the Fire Crew are on the last dig of the season. 216 00:13:02,840 --> 00:13:05,559 They've returned to an old site 217 00:13:05,640 --> 00:13:08,999 in a last-ditch effort to extract fire opal from granite.' 218 00:13:09,080 --> 00:13:11,559 So, what's happening? Just getting it undone. 219 00:13:11,640 --> 00:13:14,759 'But the 15-year-old jackhammer is out of action.' 220 00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:20,399 That's absolutely crucial for our little operation out here. 221 00:13:20,480 --> 00:13:23,959 Without that, we'll have trouble digging anything out. 222 00:13:24,040 --> 00:13:28,199 'Without it, they'll have wasted $5,000 on the expedition 223 00:13:28,280 --> 00:13:30,759 and failed to reach their season target.' 224 00:13:30,840 --> 00:13:32,879 Let's hope we can do something. 225 00:13:32,960 --> 00:13:34,999 Smoking in here. 226 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:37,079 It stinks actually. Yeah. 227 00:13:37,160 --> 00:13:40,319 I'd say that's where it is. We might be all right, then. 228 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:43,519 As long as it's not in the actual electric motor. No. 229 00:13:43,600 --> 00:13:45,599 Oh, yes. Yeah, there it is. 230 00:13:45,680 --> 00:13:47,679 , it's fixable. Yeah! 231 00:13:47,760 --> 00:13:49,759 How good's that? It's just the cord. 232 00:13:49,840 --> 00:13:52,279 The wires started touching. Cooked itself. 233 00:13:52,360 --> 00:13:56,159 That's awesome! We can just cut that and reattach it. Yeah. Try it. 234 00:13:56,240 --> 00:14:00,599 'It should be simple fix by replacing the wire and soldering it on.' 235 00:14:00,680 --> 00:14:02,759 Dad, can you come and solder this up? 236 00:14:02,840 --> 00:14:05,559 I'll dig out my old soldering iron. 237 00:14:05,640 --> 00:14:10,199 'Mining veteran Pete has hunted opal in this region for decades. 238 00:14:10,280 --> 00:14:13,639 Years ago, he hauled this shed out to base camp, 239 00:14:13,720 --> 00:14:16,519 filling it with gear for any situation.' 240 00:14:16,600 --> 00:14:19,399 I'll have to pull everything out to try and find it. 241 00:14:19,480 --> 00:14:21,999 'He's an expert prospector. 242 00:14:22,080 --> 00:14:24,999 But locating an ancient soldering iron amongst a pile of junk 243 00:14:25,080 --> 00:14:27,439 might be his toughest find.' 244 00:14:27,520 --> 00:14:31,079 Have you checked inside that? I'll double check. 245 00:14:31,160 --> 00:14:33,559 Oh, this is just for glue. 246 00:14:33,640 --> 00:14:36,079 It is here, Adam. 247 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:43,359 I'd get in there, but you know, too many cooks in the kitchen, you know? 248 00:14:45,520 --> 00:14:47,519 Oh, grease! 249 00:14:49,440 --> 00:14:51,439 Oh, sorry. 250 00:14:52,680 --> 00:14:54,679 Got it! There we go! 251 00:14:54,760 --> 00:14:56,799 There we go! Yay! 252 00:14:56,880 --> 00:14:59,599 Hey? Give me the... All right. Whack it in. 253 00:14:59,680 --> 00:15:02,359 'With the day almost wasted, 254 00:15:02,440 --> 00:15:04,799 it's a mad dash to get the vintage soldering iron 255 00:15:04,880 --> 00:15:08,039 heated in the fire and the jackhammer repaired.' 256 00:15:08,120 --> 00:15:10,959 Watch your fingers! It's all right. I've got nine more! 257 00:15:13,320 --> 00:15:15,319 One more to go? One more to go. 258 00:15:16,560 --> 00:15:18,559 Awesome. Yeah. 259 00:15:19,600 --> 00:15:21,599 'It's time to test his work.' 260 00:15:25,280 --> 00:15:27,279 Yeah! It works. 261 00:15:27,360 --> 00:15:29,359 It's good for your heart. No, it's not. 262 00:15:29,440 --> 00:15:32,599 It pumps the... -ing terrible for your heart. 263 00:15:32,680 --> 00:15:35,919 'The Fire Crew have just one day left 264 00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:38,159 to hit their season target.' 265 00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:41,239 At least there's not much sun. A little bit of cloud cover. 266 00:15:41,320 --> 00:15:43,399 Perfect day for digging out opals. 267 00:15:55,680 --> 00:15:57,679 Oh, just down here having a look, you know? 268 00:15:57,760 --> 00:16:00,399 Got to make decisions. I don't want to be down here. 269 00:16:00,480 --> 00:16:03,559 But it's either that or sit at home and do some knitting. 270 00:16:03,640 --> 00:16:07,719 But some days, like, today, I ain't feeling it. 271 00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:11,639 'It's 45 degrees above and 21 below 272 00:16:11,720 --> 00:16:16,279 as Kelly hunts for opal alone on her Alcos claim.' 273 00:16:16,360 --> 00:16:19,839 Just get this white blocky stuff, which is just like a wall. 274 00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:22,079 And that's it. You can't go any further. 275 00:16:22,160 --> 00:16:25,679 Can't dog over it, can't dig under it. 276 00:16:25,760 --> 00:16:28,879 'With the rock too hard for the machines to cut through, 277 00:16:28,960 --> 00:16:31,879 Kelly is looking for small patches of softer dirt 278 00:16:31,960 --> 00:16:35,279 in between the rock, where she can dig for opal.' 279 00:16:37,800 --> 00:16:41,279 Probably not good practice to be swinging in here too hard either. 280 00:16:41,360 --> 00:16:44,799 Last thing you want to do is find it and then be too impatient 281 00:16:44,880 --> 00:16:47,479 and then put the pick through it and smash a good stone, 282 00:16:47,560 --> 00:16:49,999 because you're impatient. 283 00:16:50,080 --> 00:16:52,839 'As well as needing money to work the claim 284 00:16:52,920 --> 00:16:54,959 and put food on the table, 285 00:16:55,040 --> 00:16:57,639 Kelly needs to find opal to give her faith 286 00:16:57,720 --> 00:17:00,679 that renewing the mine lease will be profitable.' 287 00:17:00,760 --> 00:17:04,799 OK, dig. That is -ing hard. 288 00:17:09,480 --> 00:17:12,999 Oh, this mine, any mine can break a person's heart. 289 00:17:13,080 --> 00:17:16,799 You know, be good to get a claim where it was just full of opal. 290 00:17:16,880 --> 00:17:19,519 And you think, "Oh great, we've got it, yee-ha!" 291 00:17:19,600 --> 00:17:22,159 But no, she ain't doing it. 292 00:17:25,520 --> 00:17:29,799 Oh! Not going anywhere that way either. 293 00:17:36,960 --> 00:17:39,759 Hey! There she is! Look what I've found! 294 00:17:39,840 --> 00:17:42,039 There's a little bit of purple! 295 00:17:47,800 --> 00:17:51,279 Woo-hoo! Look at that! Opal! That's awesome. 296 00:17:51,360 --> 00:17:54,719 Look at the size of the bloody thing. It's huge. Trippy stone, that. 297 00:17:54,800 --> 00:17:58,079 The mine has spoken, yes. Re-inspired me a bit. 298 00:18:00,480 --> 00:18:02,879 So, I'll go home now and get all my paperwork ready. 299 00:18:02,960 --> 00:18:05,879 I'm going to go for that lease! All good. Onwards and upwards! 300 00:18:15,400 --> 00:18:18,439 Tight chain, gripping on, it's overriding 301 00:18:18,520 --> 00:18:20,519 and it's jamming on inside the clutch pack. 302 00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:24,399 'Back at Opalton, the Boulder Boys have more problems 303 00:18:24,480 --> 00:18:27,999 with the exploration drill. The clutch is busted.' 304 00:18:28,080 --> 00:18:30,799 If the is clutch stuck on and you weren't concentrating, 305 00:18:30,880 --> 00:18:33,919 it'd pull right up through to the top pulley there, 306 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:36,479 and anything could happen. 307 00:18:36,560 --> 00:18:39,279 'It's too risky to continue drilling. 308 00:18:39,360 --> 00:18:42,359 Without a working clutch, the cable could snap, 309 00:18:42,440 --> 00:18:46,359 dropping seven tonnes of metal drill onto the truck and crew.' 310 00:18:48,960 --> 00:18:51,479 Well, I see like wood replacement in the... 311 00:18:51,560 --> 00:18:54,399 'The boys have only got one bucket load 312 00:18:54,480 --> 00:18:56,919 to work out if the area is worth mining.' 313 00:18:57,000 --> 00:19:00,039 That's where you would see opal, if it was here. 314 00:19:00,120 --> 00:19:02,159 No, I don't think it is. 315 00:19:06,560 --> 00:19:09,719 More drilling required. Oh, we need to bring more buckets out. 316 00:19:09,800 --> 00:19:11,799 We've just touched level. 317 00:19:11,880 --> 00:19:13,919 'They need more proof. 318 00:19:14,000 --> 00:19:16,679 But with the drill out of action, they can't get it.' 319 00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:19,399 We've done that one hole. It stuck on me about eight times. 320 00:19:19,480 --> 00:19:22,599 We're going to have a good sit down and think about what we're doing. 321 00:19:22,680 --> 00:19:25,559 Yeah, OK. It's only going to get hotter. 322 00:19:25,640 --> 00:19:30,479 'With no parts available to fix the 40-year-old clutch, 323 00:19:30,560 --> 00:19:35,599 the boys abandon their search for the boulder opal deep underground. 324 00:19:35,680 --> 00:19:37,919 They'll need to come up with a new plan. 325 00:19:39,240 --> 00:19:43,399 For Aaron, finding opal is particularly important. 326 00:19:43,480 --> 00:19:45,879 He wants to buy the Dragonfly lease 327 00:19:45,960 --> 00:19:48,839 and his late father's house from his family 328 00:19:48,920 --> 00:19:52,239 and needs $120,000.' 329 00:19:52,320 --> 00:19:54,679 We moved out here when I was 12. 330 00:19:54,760 --> 00:19:57,039 So, yeah, nearly 40 years ago. 331 00:19:57,120 --> 00:19:59,159 I just sort of want to keep it in the family. 332 00:19:59,240 --> 00:20:01,679 But my brother and sister weren't really interested. 333 00:20:01,760 --> 00:20:03,799 They wanted to sell it. 334 00:20:03,880 --> 00:20:06,559 And I'm going to try and buy it and pay them out. 335 00:20:06,640 --> 00:20:11,519 'Aaron's dad Arno was famous in Opalton for his iconic house. 336 00:20:11,600 --> 00:20:16,239 Over 25 years, Arno's passion was collecting unique memorabilia 337 00:20:16,320 --> 00:20:20,479 and building them into a structure known as Arno's Wall.' 338 00:20:20,560 --> 00:20:24,519 That's a World War II English Army hat. 339 00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:27,399 That's an American Army hat. 340 00:20:28,480 --> 00:20:31,079 The black fella was here first, mate. Then the Pommies come. 341 00:20:31,160 --> 00:20:33,279 And now look at us now. 342 00:20:33,360 --> 00:20:36,039 I can't wait to get the money that I can relax 343 00:20:36,120 --> 00:20:38,679 and start doing a bit of hard work myself, you know? 344 00:20:38,760 --> 00:20:41,159 Because it's something I want to do in life. 345 00:20:46,720 --> 00:20:49,919 'Back at Dragonfly, the boys abandon the drill 346 00:20:50,000 --> 00:20:53,399 and start looking for cheaper sandy opal on the surface.' 347 00:20:53,480 --> 00:20:55,639 We're looking for love in all the wrong places. 348 00:20:55,720 --> 00:20:57,719 You just don't know, eh? 349 00:20:57,800 --> 00:21:00,719 You can be broke this morning, be laughing this afternoon. 350 00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:04,839 'Ron thinks there may be sandy opal near the spinifex, 351 00:21:04,920 --> 00:21:09,119 a native grass, where Aaron's dad found it years earlier.' 352 00:21:10,240 --> 00:21:12,239 They found them under the spinifex. 353 00:21:13,360 --> 00:21:15,399 And that's the spinifex there. 354 00:21:15,480 --> 00:21:17,479 So, they just moved the spinifex 355 00:21:17,560 --> 00:21:20,119 and the big sandy boulders were poking out of the ground, 356 00:21:20,200 --> 00:21:22,279 with rings of colour in them. 357 00:21:23,760 --> 00:21:25,759 From here basically to the camp, 358 00:21:25,840 --> 00:21:29,279 I think there'd be a couple of rocks that'll solve Aaron's problems. 359 00:21:29,360 --> 00:21:31,879 We only need one good rock. We're not greedy. 360 00:21:41,280 --> 00:21:44,039 Watch your face. 361 00:21:44,120 --> 00:21:47,599 There's a time factor for us. We've got to get back to Perth. 362 00:21:47,680 --> 00:21:50,399 I've got to go to work. So does Adam. 363 00:21:50,480 --> 00:21:52,479 'On the last dig of the season, 364 00:21:52,560 --> 00:21:55,159 it's a race against time for the Fire Crew 365 00:21:55,240 --> 00:21:59,359 as they attempt to pry out opal from hard surface granite.' 366 00:21:59,440 --> 00:22:02,039 It's got a little bit stressful at the moment, 367 00:22:02,120 --> 00:22:04,319 because we're running out of days. 368 00:22:04,400 --> 00:22:06,519 I can't leave this for the old man to dig out. 369 00:22:06,600 --> 00:22:08,679 We can't leave this exposed. 370 00:22:08,760 --> 00:22:11,559 So, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place. 371 00:22:11,640 --> 00:22:13,679 Pun intended! 372 00:22:13,760 --> 00:22:15,919 'Everywhere Adam digs, he's hitting opal.' 373 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:18,839 What happened? Hit another pocket. 374 00:22:18,920 --> 00:22:21,359 That's where I put the jackhammer, right there. Yeah. 375 00:22:22,440 --> 00:22:25,719 'But he needs to find the outer edge of the pocket of opal, 376 00:22:25,800 --> 00:22:28,879 or he risks shattering the entire lot.' 377 00:22:28,960 --> 00:22:31,159 Every time we put the pick in, I was hitting opal. 378 00:22:31,240 --> 00:22:34,479 So, I had to just keep re-evaluating where I was digging. 379 00:22:34,560 --> 00:22:36,919 Yay, no opal! That's good. 380 00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:39,199 That means you can keep digging! 381 00:22:39,280 --> 00:22:41,279 And not hit any more. 382 00:22:41,360 --> 00:22:43,839 'With the outer edge located, Adam can attempt 383 00:22:43,920 --> 00:22:46,359 to get underneath the opal and lift.' 384 00:22:46,440 --> 00:22:48,439 You've got to have patience, I think. 385 00:22:48,520 --> 00:22:51,679 I'm staring at these pieces here. I want them to pop out of the ground. 386 00:22:51,760 --> 00:22:54,399 But you've got to take your time. 387 00:22:58,280 --> 00:23:00,319 It's already, yeah, 1:10. 388 00:23:01,600 --> 00:23:05,079 We've got a few hours left of the day and something could go wrong. 389 00:23:05,160 --> 00:23:07,959 The jackhammer could break again, and then we're screwed! 390 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:11,639 Yeah, I am a bit worried. So, got to get it out of the ground. 391 00:23:11,720 --> 00:23:15,679 'With time running out, Adam begins digging horizontally 392 00:23:15,760 --> 00:23:20,479 to try and lift the entire fire opal body as a single piece. 393 00:23:20,560 --> 00:23:25,279 But he must be careful not to drill too close and shatter it completely.' 394 00:23:26,760 --> 00:23:28,759 Oh! 395 00:23:28,840 --> 00:23:31,359 I have no doubt that I smashed it. 396 00:23:31,440 --> 00:23:36,719 This is why you've got to be very, very pedantic about how you dig. 397 00:23:36,800 --> 00:23:38,799 It's just what could've been, you know? 398 00:23:58,200 --> 00:24:00,199 Should try up top there. 399 00:24:00,280 --> 00:24:02,839 'With their exploration drill out of action, 400 00:24:02,920 --> 00:24:05,959 the Boulder Boys are hunting for cheaper sandy opal, 401 00:24:06,040 --> 00:24:10,679 found close to the surface, where Aaron's dad once hit a rich patch.' 402 00:24:10,760 --> 00:24:13,719 That's the area they got the big opal in years ago. 403 00:24:13,800 --> 00:24:16,319 And, you know, we've just got to go through it. 404 00:24:16,400 --> 00:24:18,599 You just don't know. The next rock might be live. 405 00:24:18,680 --> 00:24:20,679 And it's shallow, it's an easy job. 406 00:24:20,760 --> 00:24:22,959 They even stripped the top for us, the hard stuff. 407 00:24:23,040 --> 00:24:25,479 So, we've got to take it. 408 00:24:25,560 --> 00:24:28,999 'Sandy opal is opal mixed with sandstone. 409 00:24:29,080 --> 00:24:32,359 It forms when the white mineral gypsum dissolves, 410 00:24:32,440 --> 00:24:36,559 leaving tiny holes in the rock that fill with silica-rich water 411 00:24:36,640 --> 00:24:39,519 which hardens over millions of years into opal.' 412 00:24:39,600 --> 00:24:42,399 You've got the gypsum flakes. 413 00:24:42,480 --> 00:24:44,519 That's what feeds the opal. 414 00:24:44,600 --> 00:24:46,919 I'll get in behind it, eh? 415 00:24:50,760 --> 00:24:52,759 It's light brown. 416 00:24:52,840 --> 00:24:56,199 Just got to face our way in and see what happens. 417 00:25:03,560 --> 00:25:07,919 'Aaron is desperate to find $120,000 worth of opal 418 00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:11,239 to buy the Dragonfly claim and his late father's house.' 419 00:25:11,320 --> 00:25:13,919 Could be one rock, even if it's a few thousand dollars, 420 00:25:14,000 --> 00:25:15,999 it's still something. 421 00:25:18,160 --> 00:25:20,159 You've got colour? 422 00:25:21,160 --> 00:25:23,799 Yeah, that's colour. It ain't potch. It's good. 423 00:25:23,880 --> 00:25:26,119 Found that just a minute ago. 424 00:25:26,200 --> 00:25:28,639 Yeah, the right rock. Just need the nectar. 425 00:25:28,720 --> 00:25:31,679 'Early signs are positive. Coloured trace, 426 00:25:31,760 --> 00:25:35,079 minute fragments of opal, is visible in some of the rock.' 427 00:25:35,160 --> 00:25:37,359 Yeah. A little bit of colour. 428 00:25:37,440 --> 00:25:39,759 Just a bit thin, but it's beautiful colour. 429 00:25:39,840 --> 00:25:41,959 I'm just about to get into a few more rocks. 430 00:26:02,400 --> 00:26:05,359 'As morning grinds into the afternoon, 431 00:26:05,440 --> 00:26:09,559 the temperature soars and there's not a scrap of opal to be seen.' 432 00:26:12,840 --> 00:26:17,119 Hey, Greg! I've had enough, mate. That other rock, just no colour. 433 00:26:22,000 --> 00:26:25,639 'Hitting a low point, Aaron looks for inspiration.' 434 00:26:27,600 --> 00:26:29,759 It's mum and dad's ashes. 435 00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:34,679 'Aaron's parents, first-generation German immigrants, 436 00:26:34,760 --> 00:26:36,839 were married for 40 years 437 00:26:36,920 --> 00:26:40,279 and their ashes sit inside these hand-built monuments.' 438 00:26:40,360 --> 00:26:42,759 Oh, they loved each other heaps. 439 00:26:46,560 --> 00:26:50,479 The last time we come up here, I found a $60,000 pocket. 440 00:26:50,560 --> 00:26:53,559 Come up here, visited Mum. Next day, I was on opal. 441 00:26:53,640 --> 00:26:55,639 That's a true story. 442 00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:05,639 'In the last few hours before dark, 443 00:27:05,720 --> 00:27:09,079 the boys have one final crack at finding opal.' 444 00:27:16,640 --> 00:27:19,199 Boys! Come and have a look at this! 445 00:27:20,200 --> 00:27:23,399 Look what the hell's laying in mullock! Yeah, that's opal. 446 00:27:23,480 --> 00:27:28,239 Give it a wash. Ooh! Ooh! Oh, that's nice. 447 00:27:28,320 --> 00:27:31,319 Have a look at this, Greg. That's opal. 448 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:34,279 That's very nice. We've had a day. 449 00:27:34,360 --> 00:27:36,799 Good on you, Ron! No worries, mate! 450 00:27:38,480 --> 00:27:41,799 'This could just be the rock Aaron is looking for.' 451 00:27:50,480 --> 00:27:53,079 Ah, this is what rolled out of the wall. 452 00:27:53,160 --> 00:27:56,199 You know, it's been a long, hard slog. So, this would be good. 453 00:27:56,280 --> 00:27:58,559 If it's a good stone, that'll pick things up. 454 00:27:58,640 --> 00:28:00,639 It'll be a nice, happy ending. 455 00:28:00,720 --> 00:28:04,439 'Kelly is hoping the stone from her Alcos claim is valuable enough 456 00:28:04,520 --> 00:28:07,479 to justify renewing the lease on the mine. 457 00:28:07,560 --> 00:28:10,479 At her workshop, she will cut and polish it 458 00:28:10,560 --> 00:28:12,559 to get the best possible price. 459 00:28:12,640 --> 00:28:15,359 I desperately want this to be a good stone. 460 00:28:15,440 --> 00:28:17,759 I'm pretty, trying to be as optimistic as I can, 461 00:28:17,840 --> 00:28:21,639 because I need it to be a good stone. Tick-tock. We're out of time. 462 00:28:23,040 --> 00:28:27,239 'The stone is 150 carats, that's 30 grams, 463 00:28:27,320 --> 00:28:29,439 and most of it will need to be ground away 464 00:28:29,520 --> 00:28:31,639 to reveal what's hidden beneath. 465 00:28:34,080 --> 00:28:38,599 With the season drawing to an end, Kelly's opal income will dry up. 466 00:28:38,680 --> 00:28:41,279 But with a household to manage and kids to feed, 467 00:28:41,360 --> 00:28:43,519 the bills will keep on coming.' 468 00:28:43,600 --> 00:28:46,559 Been a long year. I've had enough, the kids have had enough. 469 00:28:46,640 --> 00:28:49,559 Crunch time. It's about to turn into some opal. 470 00:28:59,120 --> 00:29:01,879 There's a couple of little spots, but they're cleaning out. 471 00:29:03,720 --> 00:29:05,839 Looks like the ocean. She's beautiful. 472 00:29:05,920 --> 00:29:09,199 Glad that we found it and definitely glad that we rubbed it. 473 00:29:09,280 --> 00:29:12,999 Overall, it's a very pretty piece. Beautiful! 474 00:29:14,440 --> 00:29:18,479 I'm just going to see how many carats it is and work out a price. 475 00:29:20,640 --> 00:29:24,519 57 carats. I need a calculator. 476 00:29:27,000 --> 00:29:30,399 Let's say 250 a carat. That'd be about 15 grand. 477 00:29:31,720 --> 00:29:33,759 'Kelly's gem is crystal opal, 478 00:29:33,840 --> 00:29:36,999 predominantly blue green with flashes of orange within. 479 00:29:37,080 --> 00:29:40,719 It weighs a hefty 57 carats or 11 grams 480 00:29:40,800 --> 00:29:44,999 and she believes it is worth 14 to 15 thousand dollars.' 481 00:29:45,080 --> 00:29:47,079 Yeah, I'm happy with that. 482 00:29:47,160 --> 00:29:49,159 That's really good. It's a nice stone. 483 00:29:49,240 --> 00:29:52,679 'Larger stones command high prices. But at this time of year, 484 00:29:52,760 --> 00:29:55,719 finding a buyer with the cash may be difficult.' 485 00:29:55,800 --> 00:29:58,039 It gets hard to sell the bigger stones. 486 00:29:58,120 --> 00:30:01,319 A lot of people don't want to tie their money up in one big stone. 487 00:30:01,400 --> 00:30:04,999 But I'll try for 15. I think it's worth that, every day of the week. 488 00:30:05,080 --> 00:30:08,599 'With buyers scarce, Kelly is lucky 489 00:30:08,680 --> 00:30:11,879 that local dealer Karl Babic is in town.' 490 00:30:11,960 --> 00:30:16,519 I've got this doobie. Pulled it out of the wall, so... 491 00:30:16,600 --> 00:30:18,959 OK. Fingers crossed. 492 00:30:19,040 --> 00:30:21,799 It's nice and clean, isn't it? Very clean! 493 00:30:21,880 --> 00:30:24,559 Surprise, surprise! 494 00:30:24,640 --> 00:30:27,559 Well, you know me. I like opal. 495 00:30:27,640 --> 00:30:32,159 I'll be honest with you. I'm kind of finished up on buying. 496 00:30:34,800 --> 00:30:36,799 You can let me know what you want for it. 497 00:30:36,880 --> 00:30:39,239 I might have to just own it anyway! Give me 15. 498 00:30:42,360 --> 00:30:44,359 That's probably... 499 00:30:44,440 --> 00:30:49,279 I'd rather have ten $1,500 stones. You know, commercial stuff. 500 00:30:49,360 --> 00:30:51,959 But opal gods give you what you're given. 501 00:30:52,040 --> 00:30:55,919 Well, Kelly, it's a beautiful stone. 502 00:30:56,000 --> 00:30:58,039 I'm going to leave it this time. 503 00:30:58,120 --> 00:31:00,119 I won't make an offer. 504 00:31:00,200 --> 00:31:04,799 It's just not really the best time for me at the moment for this stone. 505 00:31:04,880 --> 00:31:07,079 All right, good on you, mate. Thanks, mate. 506 00:31:07,160 --> 00:31:09,159 Safe travels. 507 00:31:15,480 --> 00:31:17,839 Karl didn't want it at this stage. 508 00:31:17,920 --> 00:31:21,199 There's no buyers about. So, I've got no options left. 509 00:31:21,280 --> 00:31:24,919 So, it's plan B. Gotta sell the agi. 510 00:31:26,560 --> 00:31:28,559 'Desperate for cash, 511 00:31:28,640 --> 00:31:32,879 Kelly is forced to try and sell one of her agis or agitators, 512 00:31:32,960 --> 00:31:36,559 used to clean tonnes of potentially opal bearing rock 513 00:31:36,640 --> 00:31:39,399 extracted from a mine.' 514 00:31:39,480 --> 00:31:42,479 Oh, look, there's no guarantee that I'm going to sell the bloody agi. 515 00:31:42,560 --> 00:31:46,519 So, if I don't sell the agi...I don't know. 516 00:32:06,960 --> 00:32:10,159 It's unavoidable when you're trying to follow a seam. 517 00:32:10,240 --> 00:32:12,559 It happens to everyone. 518 00:32:12,640 --> 00:32:14,919 You see a seam and you go, "OK, I'm pretty safe here." 519 00:32:15,000 --> 00:32:16,999 And you go bang, straight into it. 520 00:32:17,080 --> 00:32:20,679 'In Western Australia, the Fire Crew have hit a wall. 521 00:32:20,760 --> 00:32:22,839 Adam is physically exhausted 522 00:32:22,920 --> 00:32:25,559 from drilling with the 15kg jackhammer.' 523 00:32:25,640 --> 00:32:28,119 I'll burn out if I keep digging into the night. 524 00:32:28,200 --> 00:32:30,399 'His morale has also taken a bruising. 525 00:32:30,480 --> 00:32:34,759 He's shattered a large body of fire opal into shards.' 526 00:32:34,840 --> 00:32:36,839 Do you want a go? OK. 527 00:32:36,920 --> 00:32:39,599 'Time for partner Cassidy to take the lead.' 528 00:32:39,680 --> 00:32:42,239 Get in there, girl! Right there. 529 00:32:44,520 --> 00:32:47,639 Go back this way a bit. That's it. 530 00:32:47,720 --> 00:32:49,759 Now go for it. 531 00:32:51,080 --> 00:32:53,079 'This is their last day of the season 532 00:32:53,160 --> 00:32:55,999 and there's only three hours left of daylight.' 533 00:32:56,080 --> 00:32:59,919 Now you've got it. You're doing good, Cass. 534 00:33:00,000 --> 00:33:03,959 Go, girl. Nearly, nearly! 535 00:33:04,040 --> 00:33:06,759 Out she goes! Whoo! Stop? 536 00:33:06,840 --> 00:33:09,559 That's it! You've done it! Did it. 537 00:33:09,640 --> 00:33:14,119 'Cassidy has managed to shear a large seam free from the granite. 538 00:33:14,200 --> 00:33:18,159 The value of the opal all depends on whether it has been fractured.' 539 00:33:20,960 --> 00:33:24,999 Oh, nice crack. Here comes that piece. 540 00:33:25,080 --> 00:33:28,119 Oh, look at that! Look at that! 541 00:33:28,200 --> 00:33:31,399 Piece de resistance! That is the bit we've been wanting, hey? 542 00:33:31,480 --> 00:33:34,679 Yeah. That is thick. 543 00:33:35,680 --> 00:33:38,519 'The opal pieces have stayed intact.' 544 00:33:38,600 --> 00:33:41,119 Ta-da! 545 00:33:42,360 --> 00:33:45,039 Whoa! There's the sister! 546 00:33:45,120 --> 00:33:48,199 Woo-hoo! Wow. 547 00:33:48,280 --> 00:33:50,639 Let me show you these. 548 00:33:50,720 --> 00:33:53,959 We've been going for that for, what, two days solid. 549 00:33:56,640 --> 00:34:01,519 It's all top quality. Big pieces, individual, so they're not fractured. 550 00:34:01,600 --> 00:34:04,439 You couldn't ask for better. It's a dream. 551 00:34:05,880 --> 00:34:08,879 There's bags of it here. Like, that's just crazy! 552 00:34:08,960 --> 00:34:12,559 So, we've got six bags! I think we've got it all. 553 00:34:12,640 --> 00:34:17,759 I have never, ever seen anything like this before. 554 00:34:19,440 --> 00:34:21,439 Yeah, if Cass keeps going this way, 555 00:34:21,520 --> 00:34:24,839 I'm going to have to put one of these fire opals in a ring for her. 556 00:34:24,920 --> 00:34:27,839 That's it. Take your pick. 557 00:34:27,920 --> 00:34:31,119 Think I know a big one that's got my name on it. 558 00:34:31,200 --> 00:34:33,359 Bling, bling, bling. 559 00:34:40,080 --> 00:34:43,399 'Finally, it's time to value this mammoth haul.' 560 00:34:43,480 --> 00:34:45,799 Wow, look at this. 561 00:34:45,880 --> 00:34:48,919 Look at all this loot. There's some good pieces there. 562 00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:52,799 Wow! Oh, my God! 563 00:34:52,880 --> 00:34:57,039 I actually didn't realise until we've just laid it out how much... 564 00:34:57,120 --> 00:35:00,359 We've got. Look at that. Look at the shapes. 565 00:35:00,440 --> 00:35:02,559 Different colours. Size of it, thickness of it! 566 00:35:02,640 --> 00:35:04,799 How thick is that? That's one whole piece. 567 00:35:04,880 --> 00:35:07,559 We have never dug that much opal. Yeah. 568 00:35:07,640 --> 00:35:09,639 Not this quality. No. 569 00:35:09,720 --> 00:35:13,679 It's just... That's crazy. I'd hate to put a price on this. 570 00:35:13,760 --> 00:35:15,879 Yeah. I'd love to. 571 00:35:15,960 --> 00:35:20,559 No, I... It's scary. Yeah. 572 00:35:21,720 --> 00:35:25,119 60, 120. 573 00:35:25,200 --> 00:35:27,719 180. 180. 574 00:35:28,960 --> 00:35:32,679 You're looking about quarter of a million dollars. 575 00:35:32,760 --> 00:35:35,119 The world hasn't seen anything like this. 576 00:35:36,160 --> 00:35:39,959 'The Fire Crew have dug up AAA quality fire opal 577 00:35:40,040 --> 00:35:43,559 with colours ranging from a deep orange to pale yellow. 578 00:35:43,640 --> 00:35:46,199 Their haul weighs 30kg 579 00:35:46,280 --> 00:35:51,039 and has an estimated value of $250,000.' 580 00:35:51,120 --> 00:35:53,879 But really, you can't confirm that 581 00:35:53,960 --> 00:35:57,159 until it's cut and see what we get out of it. 582 00:35:57,240 --> 00:35:59,999 Then we'll know exactly how much money we've got. 583 00:36:00,080 --> 00:36:03,039 'On the final day of their season, 584 00:36:03,120 --> 00:36:07,079 the Fire Crew have smashed their season target.' 585 00:36:08,440 --> 00:36:11,079 We had a number in mind that we wanted to meet. 586 00:36:11,160 --> 00:36:14,079 What, 120? It was there. And then we've sort of come up here. 587 00:36:14,160 --> 00:36:17,599 Yeah. Well, look, what... I can't believe what we found! 588 00:36:17,680 --> 00:36:21,239 I reckon we should, sort of, christen it and have a drink. 589 00:36:21,320 --> 00:36:23,319 Mm. I say that's a great idea! 590 00:36:23,400 --> 00:36:25,799 Pleased you agree! Sounds good. 591 00:36:25,880 --> 00:36:27,999 To me. 592 00:36:29,080 --> 00:36:31,079 You going to click your heels, Vikki? 593 00:36:33,240 --> 00:36:37,439 That huge pocket, that was a pretty big, epic moment for us. 594 00:36:37,520 --> 00:36:41,079 I think it really did propel us into thinking how can we make this... 595 00:36:41,160 --> 00:36:43,159 Our life. Yeah. 596 00:36:43,240 --> 00:36:45,799 Cheers, guys! Yeah! 597 00:36:45,880 --> 00:36:49,599 To a crazy, crazy, crazy few days. 598 00:36:51,320 --> 00:36:54,399 I never thought that we would be where we are. 599 00:36:54,480 --> 00:36:57,479 Let's put it that way. I knew that we'd be 600 00:36:57,560 --> 00:37:00,639 in a good situation, but not this good. 601 00:37:00,720 --> 00:37:04,559 The biggest job for us now is actually selling the opal 602 00:37:04,640 --> 00:37:07,279 and getting it out into the public. It's propelled us to think 603 00:37:07,360 --> 00:37:09,199 this is actually something we could do 604 00:37:09,280 --> 00:37:11,799 and do properly, full-time, and throw ourselves in. 605 00:37:11,880 --> 00:37:13,879 And put all that house-buying, 606 00:37:13,960 --> 00:37:16,519 baby-making, wedding-happening on hold, 607 00:37:16,600 --> 00:37:18,599 and dig it out and make something of it. 608 00:37:18,680 --> 00:37:21,119 So, yeah, it's a pretty life-changing moment. 609 00:37:41,960 --> 00:37:44,759 I've just got no money coming in, absolutely nothing. 610 00:37:44,840 --> 00:37:48,239 'After a failed $15,000 opal sale, 611 00:37:48,320 --> 00:37:50,959 Kelly is desperate for cash to pay the bills 612 00:37:51,040 --> 00:37:53,399 and keep her opal season going.' 613 00:37:53,480 --> 00:37:56,199 So, on top of everything that we do with the mining, 614 00:37:56,280 --> 00:37:58,639 you've got to throw in a few machinery deals, 615 00:37:58,720 --> 00:38:01,599 and that happens all the time. People are always moving on gear, 616 00:38:01,680 --> 00:38:03,799 always wanting to buy gear. 617 00:38:03,880 --> 00:38:08,039 'Instead of selling opal, Kelly is attempting to do a deal 618 00:38:08,120 --> 00:38:11,639 on mining equipment, a 14-tonne agitator.' 619 00:38:11,720 --> 00:38:13,719 So, I've just got to sell it. 620 00:38:13,800 --> 00:38:16,719 Whether I like it or not, it's got to go. 621 00:38:16,800 --> 00:38:21,799 'An agi, or agitator, can quickly wash truckloads of dirt off rock 622 00:38:21,880 --> 00:38:24,039 to see if it holds opal. 623 00:38:24,120 --> 00:38:28,119 It's a vital piece of kit for any large-scale operation.' 624 00:38:28,200 --> 00:38:30,239 It's a bloody good machine. 625 00:38:30,320 --> 00:38:32,919 It'd cost you about $70,000 to build that machine. 626 00:38:33,000 --> 00:38:35,839 Unfortunately, I can't get anybody across the line 627 00:38:35,920 --> 00:38:37,919 who's going to pay that amount of money for it. 628 00:38:38,000 --> 00:38:40,239 I've got a local miner 629 00:38:40,320 --> 00:38:42,639 and he's going to come out and have a look at it. 630 00:38:42,720 --> 00:38:45,519 'Kelly wants $20,000 for the agitator, 631 00:38:45,600 --> 00:38:49,759 which she's hoping miners Anthony Melonas and Ken Westbrook will pay.' 632 00:38:49,840 --> 00:38:51,839 Anthony! How you going, Kel? How you going? 633 00:38:51,920 --> 00:38:53,919 Good. What's going on? How you been? 634 00:38:54,000 --> 00:38:55,999 Anthony knows his stuff. He's an opal miner, 635 00:38:56,080 --> 00:38:58,079 plus he's a bit of an opal buyer. 636 00:38:58,160 --> 00:39:00,279 So, he drives a bit of a hard, hard bargain. 637 00:39:00,360 --> 00:39:02,359 I brought Ken with me. He's the expertise. 638 00:39:02,440 --> 00:39:04,479 Yeah, very good. G'day, Ken. 639 00:39:04,560 --> 00:39:07,079 Hello, how are you? I'm good. 640 00:39:07,160 --> 00:39:09,519 I dragged him out of the hospital just to get him here. 641 00:39:09,600 --> 00:39:11,839 Did you? Good. Yeah, got me out - How you been? 642 00:39:11,920 --> 00:39:14,399 Well, I was trying to get better. Yeah? 643 00:39:14,480 --> 00:39:16,919 And now you're out here looking at equipment! 644 00:39:19,080 --> 00:39:22,919 'Immediately, experienced miner Ken has noticed a problem.' 645 00:39:23,000 --> 00:39:27,999 When did you elevate it? Well, that wasn't elevated by us. 646 00:39:28,080 --> 00:39:31,719 That was elevated by the guys who were washing the open-cut. 647 00:39:31,800 --> 00:39:35,599 'The agitator barrel has been elevated and tilted on an angle 648 00:39:35,680 --> 00:39:37,839 which washes the rock more effectively, 649 00:39:37,920 --> 00:39:41,079 but also wears out the expensive bearing faster.' 650 00:39:41,160 --> 00:39:43,559 Looks like it needs a new bearing already. 651 00:39:43,640 --> 00:39:45,519 If we keep breaking down, Kel, we can't keep 652 00:39:45,600 --> 00:39:47,759 the production, you know. Yeah, I know. 653 00:39:47,840 --> 00:39:51,319 'Anthony also notices the chain that rotates the barrel is missing.' 654 00:39:51,400 --> 00:39:54,399 So, what happened to the chain? Someone's knocked it off. 655 00:39:54,480 --> 00:39:56,759 Yeah. That's more than likely what's happened. 656 00:39:56,840 --> 00:39:59,599 I think so. Some mongrel's come out and knocked it off. 657 00:39:59,680 --> 00:40:02,079 Big motor though. It is a big motor. What is it? 658 00:40:02,160 --> 00:40:04,359 It's a Vino. Vino? 659 00:40:04,440 --> 00:40:08,679 It's a good motor, then. What sort of money have you got on this? 660 00:40:08,760 --> 00:40:10,999 I want 20. 20?! 661 00:40:12,640 --> 00:40:15,039 Ken? 662 00:40:15,120 --> 00:40:17,119 Bit steep. If you were going 663 00:40:17,200 --> 00:40:19,559 to build that, you're going to be looking at about 70. 664 00:40:19,640 --> 00:40:21,959 If we're going to put new bearings in it, a new chain, 665 00:40:22,040 --> 00:40:24,519 you know, it's going to cost four or five grand. 666 00:40:24,600 --> 00:40:26,919 So, would you take 15? What do you reckon? 667 00:40:27,000 --> 00:40:29,159 15? We got a deal? 668 00:40:30,880 --> 00:40:33,519 I'll give you five minutes. You don't need five minutes. 669 00:40:33,600 --> 00:40:38,159 No, I'm just... For about 17, I suppose. 670 00:40:38,240 --> 00:40:41,559 I'll give you 15. And we're happy, you're happy. 671 00:40:41,640 --> 00:40:45,439 Maybe I should offer 14, then? No, no! 672 00:40:45,520 --> 00:40:47,999 15? 15. All right. 673 00:40:48,080 --> 00:40:51,239 Good on you, mate. Helped me out, that's good. 674 00:40:51,320 --> 00:40:54,159 No, it's a good buy. I'm happy with it. 675 00:40:54,240 --> 00:40:57,479 Yeah, it does a ripper job. Yeah, no, I'm happy. 676 00:40:57,560 --> 00:41:00,199 I'm real happy. Yeah, excellent. 677 00:41:00,280 --> 00:41:03,279 'The agi sale has given Kelly a lifeline. 678 00:41:03,360 --> 00:41:05,479 But as the temperatures get hotter, 679 00:41:05,560 --> 00:41:09,719 the final weeks of her opal season are only going to get harder.' 680 00:41:09,800 --> 00:41:11,799 Selling this gear is a bit sad. 681 00:41:11,880 --> 00:41:14,199 But couldn't afford to keep it, really. 682 00:41:14,280 --> 00:41:17,999 So, got to move it on. Onto bigger and better things. 683 00:41:18,080 --> 00:41:20,079 But I would've liked to have gotten more. 684 00:41:20,160 --> 00:41:22,719 But can't deal with them opal buyers, can you? 685 00:41:32,880 --> 00:41:36,439 Wow, look at that! Nice specie, isn't it? 686 00:41:36,520 --> 00:41:38,519 It is. 687 00:41:39,720 --> 00:41:42,279 'On the edge of Aaron's Dragonfly claim...' 688 00:41:42,360 --> 00:41:44,559 Them greens are beautiful, aren't they? 689 00:41:44,640 --> 00:41:48,239 '..Ron has discovered a large chunk of blue green opal.' 690 00:41:48,320 --> 00:41:50,959 I could've on it. Did you? I didn't. 691 00:41:51,040 --> 00:41:54,039 That is nice, isn't it? That's sandy boulder. 692 00:41:54,120 --> 00:41:56,159 It's a sandy boulder. Sandy boulder. 693 00:41:56,240 --> 00:41:59,079 'Sandy boulder opal is found in sandstone, 694 00:41:59,160 --> 00:42:01,479 often near the surface, 695 00:42:01,560 --> 00:42:05,239 unlike standard boulder opal that forms in darker ironstone.' 696 00:42:05,320 --> 00:42:07,319 You love sandies, eh, Ron? I do. 697 00:42:07,400 --> 00:42:09,399 And they love me! 698 00:42:11,160 --> 00:42:14,039 I wouldn't sell that for under $2,000. 699 00:42:14,120 --> 00:42:16,959 'Ron's find is sandy boulder opal, 700 00:42:17,040 --> 00:42:20,039 coloured with medium value blue green. 701 00:42:20,120 --> 00:42:24,959 Although weighing 3kg, the opal is heavily mixed with stone, 702 00:42:25,040 --> 00:42:28,759 making its value around $2,000.' 703 00:42:30,640 --> 00:42:33,039 Well, if you get that in jewellery shops, 704 00:42:33,120 --> 00:42:36,919 that'd be a terrific specimen. A paperweight for some yuppie! 705 00:42:37,000 --> 00:42:39,799 No, no! That's our good luck rock. 706 00:42:39,880 --> 00:42:44,759 'Ron's find has taken their total to over $104,000, 707 00:42:44,840 --> 00:42:47,079 one step closer to the amount needed 708 00:42:47,160 --> 00:42:51,519 to buy Aaron's dad's house and the Dragonfly lease.' 709 00:42:51,600 --> 00:42:53,879 Lucky Ron found that specimen. 710 00:42:53,960 --> 00:42:56,239 Would've been nice to find a little bit more, 711 00:42:56,320 --> 00:42:58,559 but that's how opal mining goes. 712 00:42:58,640 --> 00:43:01,399 But you don't know what can turn up tomorrow in this game. 713 00:43:01,480 --> 00:43:05,319 'And when you're this remote, luxuries are hard to come by.' 714 00:43:05,400 --> 00:43:08,679 Looks like he has some rib bones or something. Got some ribs! 715 00:43:08,760 --> 00:43:11,199 'Unless you've got a mate with a helicopter.' 716 00:43:11,280 --> 00:43:13,279 He has! 717 00:43:13,360 --> 00:43:15,959 Rib bones, mate! Camp over. Yum! 718 00:43:17,520 --> 00:43:21,879 'Neighbouring cattle farmer and mate Stoney has dropped in for a visit, 719 00:43:21,960 --> 00:43:24,199 and he's brought the main course.' 720 00:43:24,280 --> 00:43:26,359 I was just bloody in the area, mate, 721 00:43:26,440 --> 00:43:29,999 so I thought I'd drop in and spend the night with the boys, see how they're going. 722 00:43:30,080 --> 00:43:33,359 Make sure they're not running amok or doing the wrong thing, eh? 723 00:43:33,440 --> 00:43:35,639 Oh, Ron, watch it! 724 00:43:35,720 --> 00:43:39,119 You've got to, sort of, like be positive at this game. 725 00:43:39,200 --> 00:43:41,999 I reckon we've still got enough time to get the money 726 00:43:42,080 --> 00:43:44,479 I need to pay the family out. 727 00:43:48,760 --> 00:43:51,679 Yeah, that looks pretty good to me, too, Ron. 728 00:43:51,760 --> 00:43:53,999 No, that's a good feed, eh? 729 00:43:54,080 --> 00:43:56,759 It's up to us now. I won't let it beat us. 730 00:43:56,840 --> 00:43:58,919 Beautiful! Yeah. 731 00:44:01,280 --> 00:44:03,479 What do you reckon? Very nice. 732 00:44:03,560 --> 00:44:06,439 We've just got to be a bit smarter about it as well. 733 00:44:06,520 --> 00:44:08,719 Like dig the right bit of dirt! 734 00:44:12,480 --> 00:44:14,479 subtitles by Deluxe 734 00:44:15,305 --> 00:45:15,415 Do you want subtitles for any video? -=[ ai.OpenSubtitles.com ]=-