Some of the World’s Largest Diamond Mines

Diamonds are now mined in many countries around the world.  According to the Kimberley Process statistics, there were 22 countries that produced rough diamonds in 2014.   Russia, Botswana, Canada, Angola, South Africa, and Namibia are among the world’s top producers of rough diamonds and make up 90% of production by value.   

Russia’s huge Mir mine in eastern Siberia is an enormous crater-sized pit that is 1,722-feet-deep and a diameter of nearly one mile across.   The mine’s open pit operations ended in 2004 and was replaced with underground tunnels.  The Mir mine produced over six million carats of rough diamonds in 2014 and has an estimated value of $16 billion including the diamonds that have already been mined and the amount of diamonds in reserve. 

The Jwaneng mine, owned by Debswana, is a joint operation between De Beers and the government of Botswana.  Located in south-central Botswana, it is the richest diamond mine in the world and the country’s most important asset.  Opened in 1982, the huge pit mine is more than a mile long at its widest point and is currently producing about 10.6 million carats a year.  

The world’s largest, new diamond mine is Gahcho Kué, which has the potential to become one of Canada's most high-grade and long-lived diamond mines.  Located in the Northwest Territories of Canada, the Gahcho Kué Mine is a joint venture between De Beers Canada Inc. (51%) and Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (49%).  Discovered in 1995, the site has been under construction until it began producing diamonds in late September.  The mine is expected to produce an average of 4.5 million carats a year for an estimated twelve years.  The Gahcho Kué’s opening comes at a good time as two of Canada’s other large mines; the Ekati and Diavik are nearing the end of their production. 

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For the opportunity to view one of San Francisco and the Napa Valley’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3741956/The-expensive-hole-world-Russian-diamond-valued-13-BILLION-vast-helicopters-banned-flying-case-SUCKED-it.html

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/03/africa/botswana-diamonds-jwaneng/

http://www.myyellowknifenow.com/15336/gahcho-kue-could-contribute-6-7-billion-to-economy-de-beers/