Major Miner
Major Miner *** Applications : Mining *** Relevant Background: ' Australian opal has often been cited as accounting for 95–97% of the world's supply of precious opal, [21] [22] with the state of South Australia accounting for 80% of the world's supply. [23] Recent data suggests that the world supply of precious opal may have changed. In 2012, Ethiopian opal production was estimated to be 14,000 kg (31,000 lb) by the United States Geological Survey. [24] USGS data from the same period (2012), reveals that Australian opal production to be $41 million... The town of Coober Pedy in South Australia is a major source of opal. The world's largest and most valuable gem opal " Olympic Australis " was found in August 1956 at the "Eight Mile" opal field in Coober Pedy. It weighs 17,000 carats (3.4 kg; 7.5 lb) and is 11 inches (280 mm) long, with a height of 4 3 ⁄ 4 in (120 mm) and a ...