BALLARAT'S biggest statue has undergone a $3000 facelift.The nine-metre Big Miner, which greets visitors from east of the city at the Western Hwy at Warrenheip, is now resplendent in sandstone after its owners decided to bring the structure into line with statues in Sturt St.The 120 tonne steel-framed statue was unveiled amid controversy three years ago at Gold Rush Golf, but owner Wayne Johnston said the new look was aimed at establishing it as an icon of the region."This makes him look a bit more authentic. It will be the colour he will stay," he said.Mr Johnston designed the Big Miner as the centrepiece of his mini-golf and entertainment venue, to honour the many prospectors who flocked to Ballarat in the 19th century gold rush.The statue was previously a copper colour, and Mr Johnston said the sandstone finish took just three days to complete.