And the proceeds – the major share to rich investors in the United States of America and the United Kingdom.Īn Illustration of Fleetwood Rawstorne and his ‘Red Cap Party’ digging for diamonds at Colesberg Kopje, Kimberley Mine. Oh yes! as to the diamonds – a paltry 2722 kilograms of diamonds were removed, that’s an estimated 14 504 566 carats. When the open cast mining ceased, the miners then sunk shafts and carried on mining to the depth of 1097 metres. The water in the mine is 41 metres deep, and from the surface of the water to ground level is 174 metres. The original depth of the open cast workings of the Kimberley Mine is 240 metres, now 215 metres. The reason is simply that I was a Mortarist during my two years in the army and had to dig many mortar pits and I know how laborious it is to excavate even a small hole. The rock removed from the Kimberley Mine (called Kimberlite) once stripped of its gems was spread around Kimberley in numerous grey-blue coloured dumps. I personally like the name ‘New Rush’ – it says it all without any agenda.Īnd what of that abyss – most people want to know how many diamonds were found, however I am much more interested in the fact that an estimated 22 500 000 tons of earth were chipped, chiseled, picked and bucketed out of that pit. Now, called by the boring title ‘Sol Plaatje Municipality’ by the politically motivated. The location was then imprudently nicknamed by the diamond diggers as ‘Diamond Rush’, until proclaimed Kimberley and Beaconsfield by pretentious officials. Having its origin in 1871 when diamonds were discovered on a hillock, clumsily named Colesberg Kopje after the hometown of Fleetwood Rawstorne, one of the early diggers. The following is a pictorial tour of the Kimberley Mine, better known today as the ‘Big Hole’. The viewing platform is still located in Warren Street, only now with nothing to view. Correction – perhaps not – for can you believe it – the historic De Beers Mine Hole has been filled with re-washed spoil. If the degradation of Kimberley continues, all that will be left are several large mine holes in the barren earth.
Diamond rush born full#
Black refuse bags full of the town’s detritus had been thrown into the yard and many of the graves were vandalised. I was astounded to see that the graveyard was now a dump for local resident’s rubbish.
I was doing research on the Explorer James Chapman who lies buried in this plot that holds the remains of the oldest of Kimberley pioneers. While visiting Kimberley, I thought I would pay the old Pioneer Cemetery a visit. Many historic towns across the world only survive thanks to the tide of commercialism having passed them by. I have searched for some positive moderator, and can only find one – that unguarded commercial development can wreck historic buildings and sites far quicker than the degradation resulting from poverty. A ride through the town will immediately inform the visitor that the present Council is without a clue regarding the value of tourism to the town and quite without any redeeming vision. Most of the historic areas of the town now fall into low-income zones with the attendant neglect. The mines have long closed and most of the old residents have left for other brighter horizons. Kimberley is a ‘city’ going through difficult times. I was born in the city of Kimberley and as a result have always had an interest in all things Kimberley, especially the city’s history. He said those that continue to mine in the area, a situation that also risks the spread of COVID-19, would be encouraged to leave, though law enforcement could be drawn upon if necessary.KIMBERLEY MINE – A CHRONOLOGICAL PICTORIAL OF THE BIG HOLE Meanwhile, the number of people mining the land had dwindled to less than 500, Pillay continued, though significant damage had already been done with an area of around 50 hectares covered in holes of up to one metre, posing a danger to cattle. People in the area had also raised concerns specifically around roads and water during the visit, which officials at the briefing said they would address.
Like many areas in South Africa, high levels of unemployment and poverty have left communities living hand to mouth. The event had highlighted the socio-economic challenges faced by local people, he continued. "The value, if any, of the quartz crystals is yet to be established but it must be mentioned that the value of quartz crystals is very low compared to that of diamonds." Fortune seekers are seen as they flock to the village after pictures and videos were shared on social media showing people celebrating after finding what they believe to be diamonds, in the village of KwaHlathi outside Ladysmith, in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, June 14, 2021.
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