In 1866, the first Diamonds were discovered in the area around Kimberley in South Africa. A short time later, the first Diamond was found in the parent rock, which was later named “Kimberlite”.
The discovery of the 83-carat “Star of South Africa” in 1869 was what triggered the largest diamond rush ever seen. Thousands of people came from all over the world in search of fortune and wealth, and the town of “Vooruitzigt” or “New Rush” was founded. After just a few months, the newly founded town already had more than 30,000 inhabitants.
“New Rush” was renamed “Kimberley” on July 5, 1873. It was the British Colonial Minister, Earl of Kimberley, who gave it its name, and the igneous rock Kimberlite is named after the town “Kimberley”.
Most Diamonds were found in the hill “Colesberg Kopje”, which became smaller every day due to mining and eventually disappeared in a very short time. The famous “Big Hole” was created.
Today, Kimberley’s heyday is long gone. An interesting insight into life during the time of the great diamond rush can be found in the Kimberley Mine Museum with a replica of the town as it looked back then.
The “Big Hole”, from which diamonds were mined until 1914, can also be admired and walked through in the museum. With its depth of 225 meters, a circumference of 1.6 kilometers and a surface area of 17 hectares, the “Big Hole” is certainly one of the most impressive open-cast mining holes and the most photographed object in the town.
For me, this is a reason to dedicate this space to the impressive visitor platform with the walkway over the “Big Hole”. Although it is so impressive and can be seen from afar, it unfortunately receives little attention from the numerous visitors.
However, I think it is definitely worth photographing.
The photo was taken on February 7, 2024 in the Mining Museum in the city of Kimberley in South Africa.
