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History
Open cut, ‘bulldozer’ mining of opal began in earnest in 1976 at Mintabie and permanent settlement there began in 1978 when the Mintabie Opal Miners Association Inc. was formally recognised for assistance purposes by the Outback Areas Community Development Trust. The town is about 40 km west of Marla on the Stuart Highway.
The Mintabie opal fields which, among other ‘colour’, produce a valuable black form of opal, are entirely within the Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal Lands and road access there is only by permit obtainable from the Marla Police Station. The opal workings and the residential and business allotments in the township are held under licenses and tenures that recognise the Aboriginal interest in the area.
The township population is about 250 although this can fluctuate significantly between the hotter and cooler parts of the year. Some of the Mintabie miners also work claims at the new Seven Waterholes opal field well to the east.
Special attractions
Conducted tours of some opal workings can be made and there is considerable interest in the uniqueness of some of the accommodation and the efforts that are made to soften and individualise habitation in a fairly harsh landscape.
The town has adopted a community development and economic plan for its future and work is underway on refurbishing the town centre.
Tourist services
There is a hotel and seven-day supply of fuel and services. Most accommodation is catered for at nearby Marla.
Community Economic Development Plan 
PDF
