Kimberley Diamonds
Diamonds are the reason Kimberley exists; founded in 1873, it has been at the centre of the diamond industry for over 150 years. Diamonds are its past, present and future.
The Origins of Mining in Kimberley
In 1871, when the Diamond rush began in South Africa, the Kimberley Mine quickly became the world's most productive diamond mine. Thousands of prospectors armed with basic tools descended on the site and began digging using primitive techniques. It wasn't long before miners grouped together and began to form companies and mechanise their processes; the most famous was the merger of Barney Bernato and Cecil Rhodes, who formed the De Beers Consolidated Mines company.
During its 43 years in operation, the Kimberley mine is estimated to have produced 2,722 kilograms of diamonds, equivalent to 13,610,000 carats.
Modern Day Mining
Although three active mines remain in the region, which still produce diamonds of exceptional quality, much of the mining in Kimberley is now focused on tailings. Tailings are the processed piles of diamond-bearing earth that were discarded during the great diamond rush of the 19th century. Using innovative separation technology, these tailings are processed, looking for stones that historically miners wouldn't have been able to find, before the rock and earth is reinstated to its rightful place, thus restoring the landscape to its original topography and encouraging biodiversity in the region.
Caring for Kimberley's Future
Understanding the unique origin of nature's rare jewels is paramount as we seek to ensure that the choices we make create a positive impact on people and the planet.
The stones mined in the modern Kimberley mines benefit the community through employment and educational and environmental diversity initiatives. The community's support and involvement are integral to the success of these initiatives. Proceeds from the mines have directly contributed to establishing the first university in the Northern Cape province, the reintroduction of the endangered Roan and Sable antelope in the Kimberley region and the development of a trade zone encouraging a range of diverse new businesses to the region including burgeoning local female-led companies.
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