The richer, shallower sapphire deposits of the New England region of New South Wales which have been traditionally mined by the small miner are almost worked out. Larger mining and exploration companies are replacing the small miner and exploring for the primary source of sapphire or lower grade alluvial deposits._x000D_
Although in recent years considerable exploration effort has been directed at locating the primary source, commercial exploitation of sapphire is still restricted to the working of alluvial deposits._x000D_
If the Australian industry is to compete against Asian and African producers it must use cost effective exploration, mining, processing and marketing methods.