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Visiting Kimberley Diamond Mine in South Africa

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Kimberley, South Africa , is home to the world’s largest diamond mine, also known as the “Big Hole.” Dug by humans and so large it is visible from space, the pit has yielded some of the world’s largest diamonds and made the De Beers name famous worldwide.

At Kimberley visitors can view a 17-minute movie about the location and the history of diamond mining in Africa. They also get to walk out on a high platform to view The Big Hole, take a ride down a faux mining shaft, enter a locked vault to view genuine diamonds of all colors, and visit a small museum.

There is also a café, gift and jewelry shops, and many structures and artifacts left from the days when Kimberly was a thriving mining town. Visitors can walk the eerily empty streets of the company town and step into the modest home where the De Beers family lived.

Those who arrive at Kimberley’s Victorian railway station by train then travel to The Big Hole via motorcoach, about a ten-minute drive.

Mine Statistics

Nearly 15 million diamonds were extracted from the Kimberley Diamond Mine, discovered in 1871. Excavation ended in August 1914.

The Big Hole

That's deep: The Big Hole is 215 meters, or 705 feet, deep. 

This map helps visitors to understand the facilities they can explore around The Big Hole. They include original and recreated structures from when Kimberley was a working mine with a town that served its residents with a variety of shops and other necessities.

Diamond Mining Machinery

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald 

Rusted now, this was one of the machines in use during the heyday of diamond mining in Kimberley.

Kimberley Diamond Museum

The Kimberley Diamond Museum tells the story of the history of diamond mining and presents artifacts from the early days. Many visitors wonder if free samples are available. They are not.

South African Diamond Mining Town

The discovery of diamonds brought not only miners but also tradesmen to Kimberly, and a town sprouted at the end of the nineteenth century.

Diamond Miners' Huts

Although slavery was abolished in the Cape Colony in 1834, most of the miners did not live much better than those who had no freedom.

Kimberley's Oldest House

According to the sign, "This house was prefabricated in England in 1877, conveyed from the coast to the diamond fields by oxwagon and erected at 14 Pneil Rd. First registered owner, Mr. A. J. Petersen."

De Beer Gravestone

Johannes De Beer was an Afrikaner upon whose farmland diamonds were discovered. He is buried in Kimberley.

Kimberley Diamond Buyer

Once an important part of the diamond trade, this one-room office was where diamonds found in Kimberley were purchased and sent overseas for cutting and sale.

Kimberley Bank

Little of the riches dug from the Kimberly mines benefitted South Africans; most of the treasure was sent overseas.

The Kimberley diamond mine enriched Englishman Cecil Rhodes, who founded De Beers. The company became a virtual monopoly. The imperialist Rhodes and his British South Africa Company founded Rhodesia, which now includes the southern African countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia . 

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The Big Hole In Kimberley

What is The Big Hole?

The Big Hole is a great chamber filled with bright turquoise blue water placed in the middle of Kimberley, South Africa. A place where hard work, sweat, blood and hope once filled the now lonely mine excavation.

It is the largest hand-dug mine in the world. Tears and dreams fell by the wayside as prospectors turned a small hill into a massive cavern. This historical landmark remains to remind us of the people who once lived here and the promises they were made…

Visiting Kimberley’s Big Hole

Going to visit the Big Hole in Kimberley is a magical experience. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a large hole filled with water?

All jokes aside, standing on the platforms and looking down to The Big Hole is not much of an experience in itself. So why go?

The history.

As soon as your gaze shifts from its physical presence to its historical relevance, it becomes so much more than “The Big Hole”.

The History Of The Big Hole

The first diamond reserves in South Africa were discovered in the Kimberley Mine next door. Since then, prospectors filled camps with diggers by the thousands, many of whom died due to terrible conditions.

In one of the videos they play for you at the Kimberley Hole, they explain the beliefs behind diamonds. The Greeks believed that diamonds are the tears of the gods , Romans believed they are splinters of fallen stars and Hindus believed they are weapons, sharp and fatal .

All of this is true if you unfold the story at Kimberley’s Big Hole…

Thousands of men and woman left their homes to come to the “New Rush” (now The Big Hole), a place filled with promise and hope. Splinters of fallen stars that had clouded the eyes of many men.

Many men fell victim to greed. Others – clouded by the hope of having a better future – discovered a promise failed and doomed.

Arduous labour with unsanitary living conditions, coupled with accidental mining disasters, turned diamonds into the very weapons that killed many.

The symbol of elegance, grace and beauty was found on a bedrock of grime, deceit and betrayal.

The Big Hole Kimberley Visitors Centre

You can go with a tour guide to see the Big Hole, followed by a trip “underground” to experience what it would have been like for the miners, ended off by a walk through the mining exhibit.

The site guides are very entertaining and knowledgeable, which made our visit a lot more meaningful. We strongly suggest you join the tours, especially if you’re a history buff or like to ask a lot of questions… or both!

Once that is over you can go and stroll around the old town.

The old mining town is complete with artefacts, machinery, tools, signage and information about the bustling life in this very spot from 150 years prior.

It is mesmerising to gaze at sections of the town and think about the ways of life back then. This was normal then. Who would have thought their everyday life would be turned into a museum one day?

There are pubs, shops and guesthouses that have been restored to preserve the town and present the town’s most valuable memorabilia.

Cars, dresses, shoes, newspapers line the streets and stores.

Kimberley is often a stop between Cape Town and Johannesburg, if not a trip unto itself, so be sure to stop off and visit The Big Hole when you find yourself in town!

Entrance Fees and Costs

• Adult – R100
• Children (4 to 12 Years) – R60
• Family (2 Adults + 3 children) – R320
• Pensioners on Mondays – R80
• Students (With Student Card)– R80
• You can contact them for special group rates.

This is as of May 2020.

When Is The Big Hole Open?

Always! Haha. Get it? Because it’s a hole… Anyway.

They’re open everyday from 8am to 5pm .

The Parking Situation

They have safe and shaded parking spots in a gated area just outside the main entrance. You will need to cross the road by walking through the tunnel to get to the visitors centre but it’s clearly marked, so no stress.

Security guards also patrol the area to keep your cars safe and tips are graciously accepted (R5 to R20 are fair guidelines).

The Big Hole in Kimberley, A Video!

We took a South Africa road trip back in 2017 and visited some really cool places from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

Here’s when we visited The Big Hole (it was our first day):

We spent the night at the Wagon Wheel Country Lodge and headed out early the next morning to visit The Cango Caves !

More recently, however, we have also been on a few more South African trips through some beautiful places like the Drakensberg and Midlands Meander .

Do you have a ‘hole’ lot to say about The Big Hole? Share it with us below!

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• The Big Hole
• Visitors Info

THE Kimberley

What to do at the big hole.

• 20-minute introductory video
• The Big Hole Viewing Platform
• Underground Experience
• The Diamond Vault
• Pulsator Building (Information Area)
• The Old Town

Shopping & Services

Annette’s Gift Shop Tel: (+27) 053 831 2681 Email: [email protected]

The Jewel Box Tel: (+27) 053 832 1731

The Rock Shop Tel: (+27) 053 831 2681

The Big Hole Trading Store Tel: (+27) 053 832 5388 E-mail: [email protected]

Barnato’s Hairdresser Tel: (+27) 074 2885 399

New Rush Guesthouse [email protected] Tel: (+27) 053 839 4455

Coffee @ The Hole Tel: (+27) 053 831 2681

Occidental Bar Tel: (+27) 053 831 1296

• The Big Hole
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• Check-in and check-out
• About Kimberley
• Accommodation
• Things To Do
• Attractions

About The Big Hole

A trip to the Northern Cape Province would be incomplete without a detour to include the Big Hole in Kimberley ; it is an opportunity not to be missed. What began as a flat-topped hill is today a gaping hole measuring 215 metres deep, with a surface area of 17 hectares and a perimeter of 1.6 kilometres.

Did you know? Digging commenced at the Kimberley mine site in 1871. By the time mining ended on 14 August 1914, the mine had yielded 2722 kilograms of diamonds, extracted from 22,5 million tons of excavated earth. ~ Reference: De Beers .

What makes Kimberley’s Big Hole that much more interesting is that it is an entirely man-made structure; the largest hand-dug excavation in the world.

It all began as far back as 1866 when a man called Erasmus Jacobs found what he took for a shiny pebble on the Orange River banks. To cut a long story short, it was later sold in London, after it was determined to be a 21.25 carat diamond, for £500. After a further two diamonds were found in the area, a diamond rush ensued and miners arrived in their thousands. The hill disappeared in a flurry of prospection, as picks and shovels yielded 2 722 kilograms of diamonds.

The underground mine at Kimberley reaches a depth of 1097 metres. Underground operations at the Kimberley mines have only recently closed, and the Big Hole has had a massive upgrade to turn it into a tourist experience.

Now visitors can go underground in a recreation of a mine shaft of the period, watch a film that introduces one to diamonds in Kimberley, visit an exhibition centre, take in a diamond display, use the new viewing platform that allows one to get a bird’s eye view of the Big Hole from above, and visit the Old Town to see Kimberley in its heyday.

Need to Know

Where The Big Hole, Kimberley, Diamond Fields, Northern Cape, South Africa

When Daylight hours.

Overnight Stay in Kimberley Accommodation , Northern Cape

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email . We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

Additional Reading

• Explore the Northern Cape - 10 Top Things To Do, Places To Visit
• Exploring Kimberley in South Africa's Northern Cape
• Top Ten Natural Attractions in Northern Cape
• 10 Oddities that make the Northern Cape such a gem
• Kimberley Hotels
• Diamond Fields Hotels
• Northern Cape Hotels

Attractions near Kimberley

In the vicinity, hotels & other accommodation options in kimberley.

The Nook B&B

The Nook B&B is an establishment in Kimberley. Accommodation is offered on a bed and breakfast basis. There are five en-suite rooms which each sl...

Cecil John Rhodes Guest House

Experience the wealth and luxury of yesteryear at this historical property built in 1895. Accommodation ids offered in seven elegantly decorated ...

New Rush Guesthouse

New Rush Guesthouse offers guests accommodation where they can experience the Diamond City as it was 100 years ago. Experience luxurious lodging ...

Padlangs offers accommodation in Kimberley. This historical town is well known for the Big Hole, the Mine Museum, the Belgravia Historical Walk a...

Oak Rest Bed & Breakfast

Oak Rest offers luxury accommodation, great hospitality and a wonderful atmosphere under a large oak tree in Kimberley. Accommodation is offered ...

Rene's Guesthouse

Rene's offers luxurious and comfortable accommodation for both travellers, businessmen and those looking for a fabulous getaway. Situated in Doug...

Cygnature Boutique Lodge

Cygnature Boutique Lodge offers accommodation on the Magersfontein Memorial Golf Estate in the lovely area of Modderrivier. Each room is equippe...

Ein Gedi Premier Lodge

Ein Gedi Premier Lodge offers hotel accommodation in Kimberley. The rooms overlook the bushveld area where you can spot a variety of birds and en...

Nare Boutique Hotel

Situated 700m from The Big Hole, Nare Boutique Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, parking, a bar and a shared lounge. The hotel has ...

Sweet Dreams Guesthouse

Sweet Dreams Guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation in Kimberley. Each one of our double rooms has a King-size bed and an en-suite bathroom ...

Padlangs Self Catering

Padlangs Self Catering offers comfortable self-catering accommodation in Kimberley. The establishment is close to all the major attractions of th...

Villa Mexicana Guesthouse

Villa Mexicana in Kimberleyoffers modern, spacious accommodation ideally situated for both business or leisure travellers. Villa Mexicana offers ...

Mc Kala Guest House

Guests enjoy a friendly reception and neat clean accommodation at Mc Kala Guest House. Rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, flat screen TVs,...

Mein Heim Estate

Mein Heim is a beautiful farm only 15 minutes drive from the Kimberley city centre. This accommodation in the Kimberley area also offers pony rid...

Kimberley Manor Guesthouse

Experience the tranquility, comfort and personal attention, found at our Luxurious accommodation, nestled in the heart of the "Diamond City". Her...

Hillcrest Hosting

Hillcrest Hosting offers cosy overnight accommodation in Kimberley in two rooms located on the owner's property in Hillcrest. The property is ide...

Midway Overnight Rooms

Midway Overnight Rooms, a property with a garden, braai area and a terrace, is set in Kimberley, a short drive from the Kimberley Mine Museum. Th...

House Of Eden

House Of Eden offers comfortable accommodation to couples or groups visiting Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The lodge has 20 well-appointed gues...

Purple Steps Guest House

Introducing Purple Steps Guest House offers Kimberley accommodation in Royldene, Here you can expect a warm 'Home Away From Home' experience. The...

Broadwater River Estate

Endless water views, the call of the fish eagle, breathtaking sunsets and champagne under a starry sky. Broadwater is a private river escape that...

Kimberley Anne Small Luxury Hotel

Kimberley Anne Small Luxury Hotel has accommodation where you can be at home in an exquisite work of art. All the suites have been designed with ...

Halfway House Hotel

The Halfway House Hotel, Kimberley is situated on the Belgravia historic route and offers guests visiting the "Diamond City" accommodation in a c...

Victorian Guest Lodge

The Victorian style guest lodge provides Bed & Breakfast accommodation for business executives, holiday makers, local and international tourists ...

Kimberley Boutique Guest Lodge

Kimberley Boutique Guest Lodge is located in Hillcrest, Kimberley. The lodge offers comfortable accommodation within easy reach of numerous shops...

Hadida Guest House

Hadida Guest House offers comfortable, private self-catering accommodation (breakfast on request) in fully equipped, self-contained units, conven...

Agros Guest House

Agros Guest House offers top-notch hospitality, ensuring you'll be well taken care of during your stay. The en-suite rooms are equipped with air ...

Marrick Safari

Nestled in 3000 hectares of unspoilt savannah thornveld close to Kimberley, Marrick Safari offers accommodation in fully equipped cottages. The b...

The Kimberley Club

The Kimberley Club, famous since 1881, is an historical 4-star boutique hotel situated in the Kimberley CBD area, providing luxury accommodation,...

The Last Eve Guesthouse

The Last Eve Guesthouse offers accommodation in Douglas in the Northern Cape. The small town of Douglas lies halfway between Kimberley and the to...

The Solomon

Located on Solomon Street, The Solomon offers accommodation in tastefully converted and furnished with high quality fixtures and fittings, The So...

Caledon Overnight Rooms

Located 3.1km from The Big Hole, Caledon Overnight Rooms provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a shared lounge, ...

Fancy Yellow Guest House

Fancy Yellow Guest House is an upmarket property offering fine accommodation in a quiet area in Kimberley. Of the eight rooms available, there ar...

Paljas en Kandas

Paljas en Kandas is a Kimberley guest house situated in a quiet and safe neighbourhood. The guest house offers clean, comfortable and secure acco...

Things to do in the area

Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum

One of Kimberley’s major attractions, the Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum, was once a flat-topped hill and is now an awesome hole - the larges...

McGregor Museum

The McGregor Museum was officially founded on the 24th September 1907 when the title deeds were handed over to the Management Committee. Prior to...

Belgravia Historic Walk

The historic suburb of Belgravia plays host to 33 of the Kimberleys' most historical sites. Much of the Kimberley’s opulent lifestyle of days gon...

Die Pont Restaurant

Experience more than delicious food ... Broadwater is a private River Escape that nestles on the banks of the Vaal River near Kimberley the town ...

Sunset Cruises on Davaria

DaRiva Houseboat is the idyllic place to relax with comfortable accommodation and a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, freezer, stove, hot water). T...

Annabell’s Restaurant

Annabell’s restaurant is a pleasant surprise; this fine dining eatery delivers great quality fare with all the trimmings. We strive to make dinin...

William Humphreys Art Gallery

The William Humphreys Art Gallery opened in 1952 was named after its principal benefactor, William Benbow Humphreys and is located in Kimberley’s...

Hartswater Wine Cellar

The Hartswater Wine Cellar is a 120km drive from Kimberley in the Northern Cape.The cellar first produced wine in 1977, this was when the first g...

Kimberley Town Hall

When visiting Kimberley make sure you take a turn past the town hall. The architecture alone is stunning. This beautiful building was constructed...

Accommodation convenient to The Big Hole

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Kimberley as a destination

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Home » Kimberley: Five awesome things to do in this ‘diamond’ of a city

Kimberley: Five awesome things to do in this ‘diamond’ of a city

The largest city of SA’s remote Northern Cape province, Kimberley certainly is a ‘diamond’ worth checking out. Here are five things to do…

The largest city (and capital) of South Africa’s remote Northern Cape province, Kimberley is certainly a ‘diamond’ worth checking out. The city is filled with historical charm that’s abundantly displayed throughout the town. Here are five must-do things in Kimberley…

Visit Wonderwerk Cave in Kimberley

In Wonderwerk Cave, archaeologists have found evidence that archaic humans lived inside the cave around 2 million years ago. https://t.co/9DR2qVlawz — Marina Amaral (@marinamaral2) April 26, 2021

Aspiring archaeologists, history buffs, nature lovers and the curious traveller should make the two-hour detour from Kimberley to the Wonderwerk Cave. This vast cave, set in the Kuruman Hills, extends 139 metres into the earth and is a National Heritage Site.

The cave gives a glimpse into the plant, animal and human life that lived in it millions of years ago. There are also rock paintings and engraved stones visible in the cave. A guided tour will help explain more about the significance of the area.

Enquire at the gate or at the McGregor Museum in Kimberley for entrance fees to access the cave.

ALSO READ: Five scenic drives you MUST take in beautiful Cape Town

The Big Hole and Kimberley Mine Museum

From mid-July 1871 to 1914, 50 000 hopeful miners dug down into the site of the Big Hole , which at the time, was still a rather flat hill.

Digging with hands, picks and shovels, they excavated an impressive 2 772 kg haul of diamonds. It’s little surprise that the frenetic activity eventually caused the hill to collapse, creating the Big Hole we find today. After mining operations ceased in 1914, the Big Hole became the city’s most famous tourist attraction, right in the centre of the town.

Currently, it is filled 40m deep with water. It remains one of the largest cavities excavated by human hands anywhere in the world.

Next to the Big Hole is the Kimberley Mine Museum, depicting life in the town’s 1800s heyday. Visitors can explore the Big Hole with a site guide, travel underground in a reconstructed mine shaft authentic to the period, learn about the lives of the diggers and buy diamonds for cheap(er).

Entrance is R100 per adult.

ALSO READ: 10 top tips to take amazing smartphone photos on vacation

McGregor Museum

From our visit to McGregor Museum in Kimberley NC. pic.twitter.com/w5JUmvH9Rj — Letletle (@davi_75748) June 28, 2023

Housed in a building erected in 1897 and once used as a sanitorium, a hotel and convent school, the McGregor Museum moved here in 1971.

Today, this multidisciplinary museum showcases varied displays of natural and cultural history, zoology, archaeology, palaeontology and geology collections, the Siege of Kimberley, a Hall of Religions and the renowned Ancestors Gallery, taking visitors through the three million-year-old history of humans in the Northern Cape.

Other notable museums are the Duggan-Cronin Photography Gallery, the Magersfontein Battlefield Museum and the transport and aviation museums.

ALSO READ: Romantic getaways in SA: Seven places to take your loved one to

Ghost Tours in Kimberley

Kimberley has a reputation for being one of South Africa’s most haunted cities. Consider taking a ghost tour to explore the city’s spookier side and hear stories of paranormal encounters and historical tragedies. Check here for more information.

Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre

16km outside Kimberley is the Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre. A MUST stop if you are visiting the Northern Cape! @NorthernCapeSA pic.twitter.com/fWnBZGNm8T — Jani MC Louw (@JanimcLouw) August 2, 2017

The Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre showcases San (Bushmen) rock engravings and paintings. It provides insight into the indigenous people’s history and culture in the area. You can take guided tours to learn about the significance of the rock art.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY SUNDEEKA MUNGROO

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TEMPORARY ELECTRICITY INTERRUPTION 19 September 2024 – Landbou Road

Temporary electricity interruption 21 september 2024 – labram area, kimberley power outage – 17/09/2024.

• TEMPORARY WATER INTERRUPTION 16/09/2024 – Newton Reservoir

Kimberley City Info

The Big Hole Kimberley

Posted by: Webmaster in Attractions July 25, 2013

A visit to the Big Hole will transport you back in time to the very beginning of Kimberley and the discovery of Diamonds. The Big Hole is a massive man-made excavation, 214 meters deep with a surface area of 17 hectares and a perimeter of 1.6 km.

The Old Town

The Old Town brings the New Rush era to life, where the hopeful, the desperate and the determined flocked to the town of Kimberley to seek their fortunes. You’ll discover period buildings that have been preserved or restored to their original glory; these include a church built in Europe and shipped to Kimberley, Barney Barnato’s boxing academy, the digger’s sleeping quarters and the De Beers railway coach, used by Cecil John Rhodes to commute between Cape Town and Kimberley.

The History

Digging commenced at the Kimberley mine site in 1871. By the time mining ended on 14 August 1914, the mine had yielded 2722 kilograms of diamonds, extracted from 22,5 million tons of excavated earth. Today what remains is a massive crater 214 meters deep with a surface area of 17 hectares and a perimeter of 1,6 km. It is surrounded by original buildings from the heyday of the mine, relocated from earlier sites to form an unforgettable open air visitor experience. Through an investment by De Beers Consolidated Mines, numerous attractions had been added to the Big Hole facility – a world-class tourist destination, providing unique insights into diamonds, diamond mining and the process of recovering rough diamonds right through to the polished gem found in today’s jewelry. With the development and ongoing improvements to the N 12 national road, visitors are encouraged to take an alternative route through the breathtaking Northern Cape and to come and explore the wonderful attraction that is the Big Hole in Kimberley. The Big Hole facility also has numerous shops catering for all tastes.

A LASTING LEGACY FOR THE PEOPLE OF KIMBERLEY

De Beers has been mining in Kimberley for more than 120 years. The recent closure of underground operations at Kimberley Mines marked the end of underground mining in Kimberley, as we know it. De Beers’ presence in Kimberley continues, however, in the processing of the tailings resources through the multi million rand Combined Treatment Plant, as well as the Big Hole Project, a unique and exciting way for De Beers to invest in tourism activities, ultimately supporting the communities that surround Kimberley Mines. When the De Beers board took the decision to invest R50 million in developing the Big Hole into a world-class tourism facility in November 2002, it based the decision on the rationale that the project is in line with the company’s philosophy of creating a lasting legacy for the people of Kimberley that will generate jobs and business opportunities where the company operates. De Beers’ investment in the province through this development project is an indication of the company’s commitment to social responsibility and leadership in the quest to create employment as part of the national effort to eradicate poverty. The Big Hole project has already created some 400 jobs during the construction phase. On completion it is anticipated that it will support a significant number of permanent jobs in the region. The scope of the Big Hole development lent itself ideally to an integrated public private partnership between the provincial government, the Sol Plaatje municipality, Frances Baard District Municipality, Northern Cape Tourism and De Beers. These key players in this successful partnership enabled the project to capitalise on the synergies and strengths of all the stakeholders and to contribute positively to the project for the benefit of all in Kimberley and in the Northern Cape. It is not impossible that this successful public private partnership will, in time, be held up as a model for other public private partnerships in South Africa.The R50 million Big Hole project has been a robust vehicle for De Beers to support business based in Kimberley through the local procurement of goods and services and in particular black economic empowerment companies. Of the R50 million approximately R23.7 million or 48% was spent with BEE companies, while some R30.3 million or 61% was spent locally , of which over R18 million is with local BEE companies. Tswela construction, a Kimberley-based BEE construction company did most of the Phase 1 construction work. The first phase of the development project included the refurbishment of some of the existing buildings into a 13-roomed guest house (R2.3 million), a car park (R3.8 million) and other entertainment facilities all amounting to R16.8 million. The second phase of the project, amounting to R32.91 million was the development of a visitor centre which focuses on the story of the Big Hole, De Beers and diamonds. The creation of further retail opportunities, an upgraded viewing facility and a spectacular, world class display of rough diamonds is also included.There is a clear rationale for De Beers’ involvement in the Big Hole Project. Even before De Beers has exhausted all ways of optimizing and extracting value from its diamond resources in Kimberley, the Big Hole Project is expected to contribute to sustaining the Kimberley community and assisting them to move from a mining-based economy to one based on tourism. The new facility is expected to double visitor numbers to the Big Hole. This will in turn be of benefit to the Kimberley communities and the Northern Cape as a whole.The Big Hole Project was born as a result of De Beers’ enduring business philosophy: to make profits for our shareholders, but to do so in such a way that our commercial and mining activities provide lasting and significant benefits to the communities which host our operations. The initial De Beers investment of R50 million was therefore the catalyst for what could add up to a potential R300 million in further investment in the area around the Big Hole.The creation of small business opportunities within the Big Hole development has been a priority, with 13 new small businesses established. Importantly, these businesses are all owned by people living in Kimberley and its surrounds, and an empowerment ownership level of 60% has been achieved. This implies that the income derived from these businesses will remain within the economy of the Northern Cape, with the resultant benefit to the local community. By providing access to mainstream tourist activity, exposure to key markets will result in the growth of the small businesses. The Big Hole project is a living illustration of the way a major natural resource, namely diamonds, is contributing to the transformation of Southern Africa and the lives of its people. Revenue from the sale of diamonds is a key source of income for South Africa and several Southern African nations. Southern African countries have driven significant improvements in their country’s infrastructure, health services and education systems through the revenue generated from the sale of diamonds.

Shortlink for this post: https://www.kimberley.org.za/?p=115

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Top 10 Outstanding Facts about the Big Hole, Kimberley in South Africa

Big Hole mine, Kimberley. Photo by Andrew Hall. Wikimedia Commons

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Big Hole or Kimberley Mine. Photo by Rudolph Botha. Wikimedia Commons

1. A cantilevered platform overlooks the hole

2. the water in the hole is green.

Kimberley Big Hole. Photo by Entropy1963. Wikimedia Commons

3. The mine museum

Big Hole. Photo by Lubor Ferenc. Wikimedia Commons

4. The movie at the beginning of the tour is outstanding

5. the exhibition center has a ton of information , 6. you’ll get to see real diamonds in a diamond vault.

Colorless Diamond. Photo by Igor Stratichuk. Wikimedia Commons

7. There is an underground experience that kids will enjoy 

Big Hole, Kimberley. Photo by South African Tourism. Wikimedia Commons

8. The old town is free

9. a dog and a man were once stuck in the hole, 10. the big hole experience has won awards.

Big hole, Kimberly. Photo by Bernard DUPONT. Wikimedia Commons

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Tours Movie of 20 minutes The Big Hole View Underground Experience The diamond vault Pulsator Building (Information Area) Old Town

Shopping Annette’s Gift Shop The Jewel Box Rock Shop The Big Hole Trading Store Dried Fruits Water Shop

Kiddies Diamond Dig & Skittle Alley

Restaurants Occidental Bar Australian Arms Guest House6

Hop over to get info about the upcoming Events and book your ticket for the parties in Big Hole in Kimberley . Since options for entertainment are limited in Kimberley, you can try some of the numerous casino sites that are allowed to be accessed to from the area. We are talking about serious online casino sites where gambling is safe and legal. To learn more about these sites, visit casinosenligneserieux.com .