Facts on Mining Diamonds
Diamond mining has a long and storied history filled with exploitation and profit. The first diamonds were discovered in India in the 4th century and ever since people have been fascinated by their beauty and their functionality. Currently, the primary diamond mining countries are Russia, Canada and certain regions of Africa.
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Early Diamond Mining
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The earliest diamond mines were located in India. Until the 18th century, India possessed the world's only diamond mines. Indian diamonds were in demand all across the old world and India's diamond mines contributed to the medieval legends related to the massive wealth of the sub-continent.
18th Century Developments
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In 1725, diamonds were discovered in Brazil, which at the time was a Portuguese territory. Contracts for mining were given to wealthy individuals by the Portuguese state. Brazilian diamonds first utilized local Amerindian slave labor; however, these individuals were thought to lack the hardiness to work in a diamond mine and African slaves were imported.
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Modern Diamond Mining
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Modern diamond mines overwhelming utilize a technique known as open pit mining. This technique involves boring a large, wide pit into the ground. The process of creating this pit loosens diamondiferous ore (mostly kimberlite). Diamond rich material is then processed and the rough diamonds are removed from the otherwise worthless ore.
Underground Mining
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Open pit diamond mines become increasingly unstable as they grow in size.To combat this, engineers have devised techniques (taken from other forms of mining) that allow them to build mine shafts into the base and sides of open pit mines. This method is more costly--both in terms of capital and human life--and therefore it is only utilized once the mine has become too unstable to use as an open pit mine.
Alluvial Mining: Conflict Diamonds
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Alluvial mining involves sifting through debris located on a riverbed for rough diamonds and diamond rich materials. Alluvial mining is primarily practiced in West Africa, where political instability and the potential for massive wealth have created a virtual powder keg. These diamonds--known as conflict diamonds or "blood diamonds"--are the most controversial aspect of modern mining practices.
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References
- Photo Credit diamond image by sumos from Fotolia.com
