The Big hole in South Africa
The Big hole in South Africa
The Big hole in South Africa is a magnificent sight to see. Made by man the hole is the biggest in the world. It all happened 150 years ago.
Diamond rush in South Africa
When diamonds were found in Kimberley, South Africa people from all over South Africa went to the small town in search of the stones that could make them rich. They arrived with picks, shovels, spades and started to dig in the ground in search of the glass like stones. The year was 1871
The Big hole in South Africa are born
The first diamonds were found by Alyrick Braswell on the farm of the De Beers brothers.
2,720 kilograms of diamonds were found during 1871 to 1914. It is estimated that about 50 000 people descended on the man-made mine . The Big Hole has a surface of 17 hectares (42 acres) and is 463 metres (1,519 ft) wide and a depth of 240 metres The De Beers company were formed to control all the miners. Founding members included Cecil John Rhodes and Barney Barnato. The company still owns the site.
Mine becomes museum
After the closure of the mine in 1914, people flocked to the mine to see the big hole for themselves. Then in the 1960’s due to popular demand a museum was opened at the site that showcased the early history of Kimberley. The site is a popular among tourists with tram rides from the centre of town to the mine. a Replica of a mine town inside the grounds where tourists can test their hand at mining among other things.
More facts
Although there are other bigger mines in the world, the Kimberley mine remains the only mine that was dig by man without machinery.
The big hole sits almost in the middle of the town
Many suicides were recorded at the mine through the years
The hole is filled with a beautiful turquoise colour water.
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