Diamond Mining was first established in South Africa in 1867. Erasmus Jacobs, a 16-year-old farm boy, discovered the first diamond when he found a transparent stone on the south bank of the Orange River. In the 1880’s, 95% of the world’s diamonds were mined in Kimberley. In 1988, many formerly competitive mines were merged to form the De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd, a company many associate instantly with diamonds. In 1870, 269,000 diamond carats were mined, increasing to a dramatic 8-10 million carats mined in 2003.

For more information about diamonds in South Africa, visit the following links:

The Venetia diamond mine, which opened in 1992, represents one of De Beers’ largest single investments in South Africa. Situated 80km from Messina in the Northern Province, and involving an investment of 1.1 billion Rands ($400 million) the mine is South Africa’s largest diamond producer, with an output of 4.98Mct from 4.6Mt of ore in 2001 at a recovered grade of 108.1ct per 100t of ore. It employs 760 people.

A brief history of the advancement of Diamond Mining throughout South Africa. The 1867 discovery of diamonds in the Cape Colony, now a province in South Africa, radically modified not only the world's supply of diamonds but also its conception of them.

A company mining high quality alluvial diamonds in South Africa. Forty years of experience in the diamond business.

To date, Africa has produced over 75%, in value, of the world's diamonds with more than 1.9 billion carats worth an estimated $US 158 billion mined. Mining activities are centered around South Central Africa, with diamonds being produced primarily from kimberlite mines (South Africa, Angola, DRC, Ghana, Tanzania, Lesotho and Botswana), followed by alluvial dredging operations (Angola, CAR, Namibia and South Africa) and offshore marine diamond activities (South Africa and Namibia).

If you’re into books and South African Diamond Mining then this is a nice addition to your library.

Diamcor Mining Inc. a modern, two year old, 21st century fully integrated diamond mining company. Our goal is the creation of a world class diamond mining company. Working hard, being savvy, and applying sound business practices, we will enhance share values and returns to our valued investors.

Ohio University Press Review and Link to Book Sale of “In the Company of Diamonds” This story of a company town, Kleinzee in Namaqualand in the northwest area of what used to be Cape Province, quite literally starts in the beginning with the first discovery of diamonds in the region by small-time prospectors.

This radar image covers a portion of the Richtersveld National Park and Orange River (top of image) in the Northern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa. The mining is focused on ancient drainage’s of the Orange River which are currently buried by think layers of sand and gravel. Scientists are investigating whether these ancient drainage’s can be seen with the radar's ability to penetrate sand cover in extremely dry regions.

Another great travel link for South African Diamond Mining enthusiasts.