GEM INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA - OPPORTUNITIES

Australia is rich in gemstone and mineral resources but one resource, ornamental gemstones, has never been exploited to its best potential due to a lack of investors to fund a mining operation. Lack of foresight, on the part of Australian investors, has prevented an industry from growing.

Most of Australia,Äôs gem resources are in difficult to reach, faraway places, but with a fully funded operation it is possible to turn the 'sleeping giant' into a multi-million dollar a year industry and create employment for hundreds of people.

During the 1980s we prospected Australia for reserves of ornamental gemstones and took up mining tenements to try to raise funds to establish such an industry. Our prospecting commenced in 1979 and carried on through he 1980s during which time we identified more than 50 possible reserves of ornamental gems and mineral specimen material.

At the end of the 80's we wrote a proposal for funding the venture but, due to the economic climate at the time, we were unable to raise the funds to launch the venture.

Below, are some of the gemstones and minerals which may be mined throughout Australia and over the coming days we will endeavour to update the information with details of possible reserves, mining costs and uses for the raw materials.

A special mention is made of a rare precious gem, prehnite, which is found in abundance on the reserves in Northern Territory. Details of the value of this gem and possible resources will be added with reference to people and businesses which have offered the material for sale.

Gem quality prehnite is a truly magnificent stone when faceted or carved as there is no other gem in the world which exhibits the beautiful shades of green and gold colours. Valuations on faceted stones, not to the standard which we have presented to the world, have been advertised at over $US100.00 per carat and one gem which was shown o the Gemological Institute was valued at $US200.00 per carat.