Our team
Leif Tanzer
Leif has grown up here in Andamooka mining with his family since he could walk. Enjoying the wide open spaces of the Outback to the fullest. As well as being a trade Diesel Mechanic, Leif has a sound knowledge of the many skills it takes to find Opal that he learnt from his father who had over 50 years of experience in the industry. He now uses all that experience and knowledge to continue in his father’s footsteps and search for one of the world’s rarest gems, precious opal. You can contact Leif Direct on his Facebook page Unearthed Opals or click on the link below.
Cozza Kathagen
Cozza has lived and mined in Andamooka for 16 years. Originally from the south Coast of N.S.W, Cozza, moved to the South Australian Outback in search for a high paying job in the mining sector. Shortly after moving to Roxby Downs with his brother Mat they discovered a nearby Opal mining town called Andamooka and it wasn’t long before they both had the Opal fever.
After many years specializing in Earth moving and driving trucks from small tippers to road trains and the largest dump trucks in Australia, he now puts those skills to use in the Opal fields searching for the world’s most precious gem.
Mathew Kathagen
Starting off in NSW Mat has travelled with his younger brother Cozza and worked in the mining industry for over 15 years. Specializing in earth moving machinery operation of all types and leadership, he now uses his skills to search for the elusive gem called Opal and has become a valuable team member to the Mooka Boys.