‘The opal mine is my happy place'

Sam wouldn’t trade this gem of a job for anything in the world

- Dan Proudman

Forget the gleam glistening off the 30 million-year-old gemstones – the biggest shining light emanating from Australia’s famous opal fields is just 25, blonde and boasts an infectious smile!

Meet Sam Mehan, the face of how mining in the outback is changing.

And although gruff and hairy may still rule the fields west of Lightning Ridge, in north-western NSW, Sam believes there are changes afoot. She’s keen to bring her tech-savvy attitude to the traditional ways of mining.

The third-generation opal miner calls the Grawin Opal Fields home, and supplements her income by handing out stubbies to thirsty workers at the local pub.

DANGEROUS WORK

Each morning, Sam lowers herself through a tiny mine opening and down the 20 metres to her workstation – a dusty and dangerous place where she spends at least five hours on the jackhammer and shovel looking for the elusive gemstones.

“This is not like a lot of other jobs,’’ Sam smiles.

“You don’t get paid by the hour. You get paid when you find something.