Diamond Mining Resurges In Latin America
Economic growth, political stability and unprecedented access to bank credit are driving a consumer boom in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, which is benefiting from high international commodity prices. Aware of demand, mining companies are tapping Brazil and Paraguay for their diamond deposits, reactivating an industry that was overshadowed by the dominance of South Africa in the early 20th century.
Brazil, Paraguay step up. As a Portuguese colony, Brazil drove the international diamond trade, experiencing a diamond rush between 1725 and 1860 until the Portuguese crown declared a royal monopoly on all diamond mining in the country and levied heavy taxes on mining concessions.
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Diamond Mining
Perhaps the event that sparked a rush to begin mining diamonds in South Africa occurred in 1868 when a young African boy, now referred to as Swartboy, picked up a shiny rock near the Orange River. In hopes of bartering with his newfound acquisition, he took it to a local man named Schalk van Niekerk who was known for collecting fancy-looking rocks. This particular rock, which turned out to be a diamond, wasn’t the first to be discovered, but at 83.50 carats, it was the largest one found so far. Van Niekerk offered Swartboy much more than food and lodging in place of the rough diamond; he traded all of his livestock for the stone. Read more
Diamond mining and place to digg for diamonds in Arkansas
Diamond Mine
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds. And the policy here is “finder’s keepers.” The diamonds you find are yours to keep.
Visitors search atop a 37-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient, gem-bearing volcanic pipe. Prospectors enter the field through the visitor center that offers exhibits and an A/V program explaining the area’s geology and history. Park staff provides free identification and certification of diamonds.
The first diamond was found here in 1906 by John Huddleston, the farmer who owned the property. The Crater of Diamonds has changed hands several times over the years and several unsuccessful attempts have been made at commercial mining. All such ventures are shrouded in mystery, and lawsuits, lack of money and fires are among the reasons suspected for these failures. The mine was operated privately, and later as a tourist attraction, from 1952 to 1972. In 1972, the State of Arkansas purchased the Crater of Diamonds for development as a state park. The park is open year-round except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Pets are allowed at all facilities with the exception of the Diamond Springs Water Park and Kimberlite Cafe’, as long as they remain on a leash under the owner’s control at all times Read more
