Diamonds glistened like strewn stars in the shimmering riverbeds of India once upon a time, their appeal resonating with stories of love, prosperity, and unending success. Merchants set off on difficult expeditions, transporting these priceless stones to Persia and beyond, kindling a spark that would light the world diamond trade.
The demand for these alluring stones grew over time, becoming so great that it sparked commercial mining in South Africa in 1870. Beginning in the depths of South Africa, activities to find diamonds stretched across continents, including Canada, Russia, Brazil, Angola, Nigeria, and Australia. Every place has a treasure trove of its own, adding to the rich history of the diamond business. This tale only scratches the surface of the amazing and mysterious world of diamond mining, beckoning explorers to learn more about its secrets and miracles.
Where are the world’s top ten largest diamond mines located?
Diamond mining is one of the most prominent and profitable industries in the world economy, as you are aware. Based on measured reserves, the top 10 diamond mines worldwide contain over one billion carats of recoverable diamonds, equivalent to billions of dollars. It is fascinating to look at the distribution of these carats because of this. In the article that follows, you will discover the names of 10 of the largest diamond mines worldwide.
Mines Jwaneng, Botswana
Botswana’s Kalahari Desert is home to the Jwaneng Mines. Debswana, a partnership between De Beers and the Botswana government, is the owner of this mine. Though commercial operations started in 1982, it was founded in the 1970s. When it comes to diamond value, it is among the biggest producers.
Located on three kimberlite pipes that span 520,000 square meters at ground level, Jwaneng is an open-pit mine. The Jwaneng mine produces 9.3 million carats a year, with plans to boost that number to 13.5 million in 2022. This mine is the largest contributor to the global diamond market in terms of percentage, making it significant economically.
Mine Kao, Lesotho
Lesotho is a country in Southern Africa where Kao Mine is situated. Storm Mountain Diamond, a joint venture between Namakwa Diamond Limited and the Lesotho government, is the owner of this mine. The 1950s saw the discovery of this mine. This particular mine is unique because it produces pink and purple diamonds.
The 19.8-hectare Kao mine is an open-pit mine situated on kimberlite pipes that date back to the Cretaceous. In 2022, the Kao mine produced over 13.34 million carats of diamonds annually.
Mines Orapa, Botswana
With an area of over 118 hectares, Opara Mines in Botswana is the biggest diamond mine nearby. Debswana, a joint venture between De Beers and the Government of Botswana, is the owner of this mine. In 1971, the Orapa mine started producing.
More than 3000 individuals have found work at the Orapa mine. The yearly production of 10.8 million carats of diamonds, which decreased to 8.85 million carats in 2022, comes from this open-pit mine.
Plantation Venetia Mine, South Africa
The province of Limpopo in South Africa is home to Venetia Mines. Of the six mines that De Beers still owns and operates in South Africa, this one is owned by the company. 1992 saw the mine go into production.
The Venetia mine is South Africa’s biggest diamond mine. The typical mining technique is being used in an open-pit mine. At this mine, 1.9 million carats are produced annually; in 2022, that number was 5.83 million carats. This mine’s lifespan will be extended by 21 years thanks to the Venetia Underground mining project.
Gahcho Kue Mine, Canada
The Canadian tundra is home to the Gahcho Kue mine. It is a partnership between Mountain Province Inc. and the De Beers Group. opened for business in 2016.
The Gahcho Kue mine occupies 1200 hectares of land. There is a kimberlite pipe present in this open pit mine. The Gahcho Kue Mine produces about 4.5 million annually, up from 5.52 million in 2022. One of the largest diamonds, weighing 157.4 carats, was generated by it.
Ekati Mines, Canada
200 km south of the Arctic Circle and 310 km northeast of Yellowknife are the locations of Ekati Mine. Dominion Diamond Mines is the owner of it. At this mine, 45–60 million-year-old kimberlite pipes contain diamonds.
Chuck Fipke and Stewart Bulson, two geologists, found the Ekati mine early in 1985. It is anticipated to continue operating through 2033. This mine produces over 7.5 million carats of diamonds per year, up from 5 million in 2022.
Jubilee Mines, Russia
Yubileyny diamond mine, also known as Jubiliee mine, is situated in Sakha, Russia. The Russian State-owned diamond business ALROSA owns the open-pit mine. It was found in Russia’s Sakha Region in 1982.
With almost 70 million carats reserved, the Jubilee Mine boasts one of the greatest diamond reserves in the world. The Jubilee Mine produces over 10 million carats a year, up from 4.99 million in 2022.
Diavik Mine, Canada
The Canadian Diavik mine contains four kimberlite pipes. Dominion Diamond Mines (40%) and Rio Tinto (60%) jointly own the Diavik Diamond Mine. For the benefit of the joint venture, Rio Tinto runs the mine.
Although this region was found to be mineable in 1992, commercial activities didn’t start until January 2003. This mine was first built as an open-pit operation, but underground mining started in March 2010.
Large, gem-quality stones are among the high-quality diamonds that Diavik is renowned for manufacturing. The output of the mine makes a substantial contribution to Canada’s total diamond production. This mine produced a yellow diamond in 2018 weighing 552 carats, which was reported to be the biggest diamond ever discovered in North America.
The Diavik Mine employs about 1000 people, which has an impact on the local economy. The Diavik Mine is expected to produce 7 million carats a year, up from 4.28 million in 2022.
Udachny Diamond Mine, Russia
One of the biggest and deepest open-pit diamond mines in the world is the Udachny Diamond Mine, also called Udachnaya. It is located in Russia. At 640 meters deep, it is.
The Sakha Republic (Yakutia), in northeastern Russia, is home to this mine. It is situated close to the town of Udachny, some 20 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle.
The Russian business ALROSA owns the Udachny mine. Although this mine was found in 1955, it wasn’t until 1971 that it was put into use for profit. Ever since it has been contributing to Sakha’s economy and the diamond industry.
A reserve of 225.8 million carats of diamond is thought to exist in the Udachny mine. About 10.4 million carats are produced annually in this mine.
Vladamir Grib Mine, Russia
One of Russia’s biggest surface mines, the Vladimir Grib Project is situated in the northwest of the country in the Arkhangelsk Oblast. Since 2014, this mine has been in operation. This diamond mine is owned by AGD Diamonds, a division of Lukoil, a Russian oil corporation.
With an annual production of 3.62 million carats, the mine’s estimated reserve is 98.5 million carats. It holds a significant position in the diamond industry due to its well-known ability to produce diamonds that resemble gems.
Which country mines the most diamonds?
Russia is the world’s top producer of diamonds, with most of the mines that generate stunning gems being there. Two more notable diamond-producing countries are Canada and Africa.
