South Africa and its mining heritage

South Africa’s mineral revolution, which was prompted by the development of Kimberley’s diamond mining industry and more profoundly shaped by the discovery and exploitation of gold on the Witwatersrand during the latter quarter of the...

Zim amending diamonds law to ensure sector’s sustainability

Zimbabwe has started amending the Precious Stones Trade Act as part of reforms of legislation regulating diamond exploration, mining, value addition and beneficiation as well as the security aspects of the diamond mining industry.

Mining a key component in Namibia’s economy

Namibia’s mining sector generated $1.6-billion in mining export earnings during 2011, contributing about 11% to the country’s gross domestic product, with the country’s buoyed uranium mining sector forecast to be the single largest mining...

A brief history of the Jagersfontein diamond mine

The history of diamond mining in South Africa has largely been dominated by the narrative of the discovery and development of the De Beers and Kimberley diamondiferous kimberlite pipes and, to a lesser extent, the Bultfontein and Dutoitspan...

Richard Southey – bulwark against monopolisation

Histories relating the early decades of diamond mining in South Africa have tended to focus on the most powerful, wealthiest and influential characters that shaped the development of the industry.

The rise of South Africa’s first mining magnate

The plethora of literature relating South Africa’s mining history is dominated by countless biographies narrating the lives and achievements of the country’s great mining magnates.

Gem Diamonds posts $25m FY profit

LSE-listed Gem Diamonds on Tuesday reported a $25,4-million profit for year ended December 31, 2009, compared with the $552,2-million loss recorded in the 2008 financial year. The diamond miner had generated revenues of $244,4-million during the...

Weir pumps installed at world's highest diamond mine

The Letseng diamond operation, in Lesotho, has opted for Weir Minerals process water pumps for a second treatment plant, which will double production when it is commissioned during the first quarter of 2008.

Gem-miner Petra sees a 'wealth of opportunities' in Africa

Improving conditions in many African countries, such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone, are bringing on "a wealth of opportunities" for the diamond mining industry, UK-listed Petra Diamonds said. The midtier...

Afgem plans to explore for diamonds

South African tanzanite miner Afgem announced yesterday it would be exploring potential diamond opportunities in the country, saying it was in a strong position to enter this field.