About us

Hammond Mining is a small scale, family owned and operated Opal Mining Company. It has a rich history, and enjoys a long association with outback Queensland, Australia. Hammond Mine is located on the Eromanga Quilpie Boulder Opal Field in far South West Queensland.

The mine was first discovered in the 1890’s by Ned Hammond, whose family had also taken up a large tract of nearby country for sheep and cattle grazing, naming it ‘Hammond Downs.’ It was from this property that he would travel by horse to and from the opal mine he had discovered.

Tragically, Ned fell from his horse and was fatally injured. His family buried him at Hammond Downs and his opal mine was soon lost to local legend.

Some 80 years later, John and Gem Kelly who had heard the tale of Ned Hammond, packed up their two children and during the winter months, travelled to the Eromanga Opal Field in search of the lost mine.

Whilst hopelessly lost one day, they walked into a small valley and discovered Ned’s old hut. His bed, pick and shovel, even tobacco pipe were still there, waiting for his return. They had found the fabled Hammond Mine!

Nearly half a century later, Hammond Mine is still owned by the family of John and Gem Kelly. 

When you purchase a Hammond Opal, you are not only securing a precious gem that has been hidden for millions of years deep in the Outback; but also your own part of a rich early Australian history. Each stone is as unique as the buyer.

You can be assured that every opal on our website has been found at Hammond Mine. You can confidently trace your gemstone's history to a specific and significant place.

As a family, we mine, process and sell our product – you are buying directly from the miner, who can not only provide your gemstone’s story, but do so without the on-costs of jewellery stores.

Welcome to Hammond Mining!