Background

Mining commenced at the world famous Kimberley Mine (commonly referred to as the Big Hole) in 1871. This well documented diamond rush resulted in a mining camp then later the town of Kimberley being established around the Kimberley Mine. The town was proclaimed a municipality on 27 June 1877.

De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited (“De Beers”) was formed in 1888, 17 years after mining commenced at the Kimberley Mine, and by 1889 had acquired, by various means, the majority of all of the claims in the Kimberley Mine. The Kimberley Mine was operated by De Beers from 1889 until its closure in 1914 and is still owned by De Beers.

The Bultfontein Road, which forms part of the national route referred to as the N12 as it passes through Kimberley, runs in close proximity to the east of the Kimberley Mine in a north-south direction.