The Positive Legacy of Diamonds

Diamonds have been vitally important to the development of South Africa, and remain so to this day. Synonymous with diamonds are De Beers and the Oppenheimer family, at the forefront of diamond-mining industry for more than 100 years.

The mining operations of De Beers in South Africa often include large areas of natural habitats. These natural areas have been diligently managed over many decades and are now very important reservoirs of biodiversity. Excellent examples are the Black Wildebeest and Red Hartebeest. Had they not been conserved on Benfontein and Rooipoort near Kimberley, these species may have been lost forever, as extinct as the Dodo.

In measuring the value of biodiversity and natural ecosystems conserved as a legacy of diamond-mining, one may add large tracts of natural lands owned by the Oppenheimer family. These areas have also been well-managed - the most spectacular area is the 100 000 ha Tswalu Kalahari Reserve which is the largest private nature reserve in Africa.

Not only are these havens of biodiversity, they have been the focus of a considerable research output, supported and often funded by De Beers and the Oppenheimer family. This investment in research constitutes a further environmental contribution – knowledge invaluable for conservation.

Global concerns about the planet’s sustainability are rapidly intensifying. Sustainable development in tandem with socio-economic upliftment is essential. Such action is taking place, ranging from global cooperation to individual actions. In response, many commercial companies have broadened their responsibilities to active participation in environmental actions. The reality is that De Beers and Oppenheimers were committed to conservation and social upliftment and practised offset of diamond mining impact before the term of offset became current in the conservation world.

Share the experience of these as a visitor to the Diamond Route.

Experience the positive environmental legacy of diamond mining.