The Big Hole, also known as Kimberley Mine, is an open-pit and underground mine in Kimberley, South Africa. The mine is famous for its diamond production; it is the deepest diamond mine in the world. The Big Hole yielded some of the world’s largest and finest diamonds, including the Star of South Africa, the Excelsior Diamond, and the Jagersfontein Mine’s Storied Diamond. In total, over 14.5 million carats of diamonds have been mined from the Big Hole since the start of operations in 1871.
The Big Hole is an astonishing sight to behold. Stretching over an area of 17 hectares, this immense crater is 215 meters deep and almost a kilometer wide. It is estimated that so much earth was removed from the ground to create this mine that it would have taken at least three million people about two and a half million hours of labor. As the diamonds were mined through traditional hand-dug methods the mine has many interesting features that include winding galleries, winding elevators and iron ladders for miners to access different parts of the mine.
Most of the diamonds found in the Big Hole were of a very high quality and included many large stones weighing up to several carats. The quality of the diamonds found in the Big Hole made them very valuable and sought after, leading to the establishment of the De Beers diamond cartel. The cartel was responsible for controlling the global diamond market and keeping prices high.
In addition to diamonds, the Big Hole has also yielded a number of other items, including fossils, ancient tools and weapons, and the remains of animals. These items provide valuable insights into the ancient civilizations that lived in the area. In total there are over 400 species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that have been found in the Big Hole, providing a unique glimpse into the ecology of the area.
The Big Hole has also yielded valuable insights into the history of diamond mining in South Africa and the world. Despite the success of the Big Hole, diamond mining is now increasingly mechanized and remote-controlled. The Big Hole serves as a reminder of the long and rich history of diamond mining in South Africa and the world.
What Was Discovered In The Big Hole Of Kimberley?
Situated in Kimberley, the Big Hole is one of the most famous diamond mines in the world. This mine was discovered in 1871 and was one of the most productive mines for diamonds throughout its history. The Big Hole is thought to have produced over 14 million carats of diamonds in total.
The Big Hole was originally discovered by a group of prospectors led by Dutch-born South African, Erasmus Jacobs. Jacobs discovered a brilliant diamond lying in the sand on the banks of the Orange River. This discovery sparked a rush of thousands of prospectors seeking their fortune in the area, leading to the development of the Big Hole diamond mine.
The Big Hole was mined from 1871 until 1914, and produced countless diamonds that helped to make South Africa one of the world’s foremost diamond producers. During the course of its production, the Big Hole yielded some of the world’s most iconic diamonds, such as the famous 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond. This remarkable diamond was discovered in 1905 and was later cut into several pieces and used in the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
In addition to diamonds, the Big Hole also yielded a variety of other precious gems, including rubies, sapphires, garnets, and tourmalines. These gems were also highly sought after and helped to contribute to South Africa’s thriving economy. The Big Hole also helped to open the way for further diamond exploration in South Africa and other parts of the world.
Today, the Big Hole is a major tourist attraction in South Africa, and visitors can get a firsthand look at the site of one of the world’s most famous diamond mines. The Big Hole serves as a fascinating reminder of the history of diamond mining and its impact on the development of South Africa.
What Secrets Does The Big Hole Of Kimberley Uncover?
The Big Hole in Kimberley is said to be one of the most impressive sites in the world, and it holds many secrets. The Big Hole was created by the mining of diamonds in the late 19th century, and has become a major tourist attraction in South Africa. It is one of the deepest man-made holes in the world, with a depth of 214 metres and a surface area of 17 hectares.
The Big Hole of Kimberley is a site of immense archaeological importance, and it has been estimated that over 11 million tons of earth were excavated from the site during the initial diamond rush. Archaeologists have uncovered a wide range of artifacts from the Big Hole, including tools from the early settlers, pottery, and stone tools. These artifacts provide valuable insight into the cultures that existed in the region at the time of the diamond rush.
The Big Hole also holds many important geological secrets. During the mining process, many different types of rocks and minerals were uncovered, and these provide valuable information about the area’s geological history. The Big Hole is also home to a wide range of fossils, which can be used to understand the ancient environments that existed in the region.
The Big Hole of Kimberley also holds many cultural secrets. Many of the artifacts from the site, such as pottery and jewelry, provide insights into the cultures that existed in the region prior to the diamond rush, as well as the customs and practices of the people who lived there. Additionally, the Big Hole also contains a wealth of information about the history of the diamond industry in the region, as well as the impact that it had on the local economy.
The Big Hole of Kimberley is an incredible site that holds many secrets, and it is an important part of South African history. It is a place that is full of stories and information about the past, and it is an essential part of any exploration of the region.
The Big Hole is an abandoned diamond mine located in Kimberley, South Africa. It is the deepest open excavation in the world and the first diamonds were discovered there in 1866.
The Big Hole was excavated by hand in the late 19th century and was the site of a major diamond rush. The mine was operational until 1914, producing over 14.5 million carats of diamonds.
The Big Hole is a total of 763 metres deep, 1.6 kilometres wide and 19.6 hectares in area.
The Big Hole is located in the city of Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa.
Cecil Rhodes was the founder of De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd and a key figure in the South African diamond industry. He played a major role in developing the Big Hole, overseeing its excavation and ensuring the diamonds mined there were sold in Europe.
Today, the Big Hole serves as a tourist attraction and a reminder of the history of the diamond industry in South Africa. There are several museums and other attractions near the Big Hole that offer insight into the history of diamond mining.
Yes, there are several other diamond mines in South Africa, including the Cullinan Diamond Mine located in Gauteng and the Jagersfontein Mine located in the Free State.
The Big Hole has been preserved in its original state and is protected by the South African Heritage Resources Agency as a National Monument. The surrounding land is also being restored and rehabilitated to protect the environment.
Visitors can explore the Big Hole, take a tour of the mine, visit the nearby museums and attractions, and purchase diamonds from the Kimberley Diamond & Jewelry Exchange.
Yes, there are several attractions in the surrounding area, including the Kimberley Mine Museum, the William Humphreys Art Gallery and the McGregor Museum.