Coober Pedy

Opal Capital of the World - so it says.  Population approx. 3,000.  Opal was first discovered here in 1915, and without it there would be no town.  The minefields are still in operation and you can lease your claim annually.  The layer of rock where opal is found varies from 19m - 30m underground, so first a shaft is put down.  Nowadays, machines are used instead of the pick and shovel. 


A shaft entrance (watch your step!) 



Each pile of earth represents a shaft!