Diamonds are one of the most precious and sought-after gemstones in the world, and Australia is home to some of the most significant diamond mines globally. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the history of diamond mining in Australia, current operations, and the future of the industry. We'll also explore the importance of ethical and sustainable diamond mining practices.

Diamonds have played a significant role in Australia's economy for over 150 years. The discovery of the Kimberley diamond fields in Western Australia in 1871 started Australia's diamond mining industry. Today, the diamond industry is worth around $2 billion to the Australian economy, with the majority of diamond production coming from the Argyle Diamond Mine.

The Argyle Diamond Mine

The Argyle Diamond Mine is located in the remote East Kimberley region of Western Australia. The mine was discovered in 1979 and has since become one of the world's largest producers of diamonds. The mine is responsible for over 90% of Australia's diamond production and around 15% of the world's annual diamond supply.

Overview of Diamond Production and Characteristics

The diamonds produced at the Argyle mine are of exceptional quality, with a high percentage of gem-quality stones. The mine produces a range of diamonds, including white, champagne, cognac, and rare pink diamonds. The pink diamonds, in particular, are highly sought after and make up less than 1% of the mine's total production.

Impact of the Mine's Closure in 2020

The Argyle Diamond Mine officially closed in November 2020 after 37 years of operation. The closure marked the end of an era for Australia's diamond industry and resulted in the loss of over 1,500 jobs. The closure was due to the depletion of the mine's resources and the declining global demand for diamonds.

Other Diamond Mines in Australia

The Ellendale Diamond Mine, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, was once Australia's largest producer of yellow diamonds. The mine operated for over 30 years before closing in 2015 due to a decline in diamond quality and quantity.

Merlin Diamond Mine

The Merlin Diamond Mine is located in the Northern Territory and is Australia's only operating diamond mine outside of Western Australia. The mine produces small, high-value diamonds, and is known for its rare blue diamonds.

Other Smaller Diamond Mines in Australia

There are several smaller diamond mines operating in Australia, including the Jupiter Mine in Western Australia and the Lucas Mine in the Northern Territory. While these mines produce fewer diamonds, they play an essential role in Australia's diamond industry and provide employment opportunities in remote regions.

The Future of Diamond Mining in Australia

Despite the closure of the Argyle Diamond Mine, there is still potential for new diamond discoveries in Australia. The country has a long history of diamond exploration, and new technologies such as airborne geophysics and 3D mapping are making it easier to identify potential diamond deposits.

The Role of Technology in Diamond Mining

Technology is playing an increasingly significant role in diamond mining operations in Australia. Advanced exploration techniques are being used to identify diamond deposits, while new mining technologies such as automated drilling and sorting systems are making diamond mining more efficient and sustainable.

Challenges Facing the Diamond Industry in Australia

The diamond industry in Australia faces several challenges, including declining global demand for diamonds and competition from synthetic diamonds. However, there is a growing demand for ethically sourced diamonds, and Australia's strict environmental and labor laws make it an attractive destination for responsible diamond mining.

Ethical and Sustainable Diamond Mining

The diamond industry has a reputation for exploitation and environmental degradation. However, many diamond miners in Australia are committed to ethical and sustainable practices, ensuring that their operations have minimal impact on the environment and that workers are treated fairly.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003 to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. The KPCS requires participating countries to certify that their diamond exports are conflict-free and to implement strict regulations to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.

Responsible Mining Practices in Australia

Many diamond mines in Australia are committed to responsible mining practices, ensuring that their operations have minimal impact on the environment and that workers are treated fairly. This includes using advanced technologies to reduce waste and water consumption and ensuring that workers are provided with safe working conditions and fair wages.

Statistics on diamond mining in Australia

Famous mines in Australia besides Argyle and Merlin mines

Besides the Argyle and Merlin mines, there have been a few other notable diamond mines in Australia:

Ellendale Diamond Mine: Located in Western Australia, the Ellendale mine was in operation from 2002 to 2015 and produced some of the highest quality fancy yellow diamonds in the world.

Smoke Creek Diamond Mine: This mine is located in the Northern Territory and was operated by Rio Tinto until its closure in 2003. It produced a variety of high-quality white and fancy colored diamonds.

Lerala Diamond Mine: Located in Botswana but owned by an Australian company, Kimberley Diamonds, the Lerala mine operated from 2016 to 2017 and produced high-quality diamonds before being placed under care and maintenance due to financial difficulties.

Kimberley Diamond Company: This company operates the Ledge mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, which produces a range of diamonds, including pink diamonds. The mine has been in operation since 1996.

These are just a few examples of other diamond mines in Australia, but there are many more small-scale operations and exploration projects scattered throughout the country.

Conclusion

Australia has a rich history of diamond mining, and while the closure of the Argyle Diamond Mine marked the end of an era, the future of the industry looks promising. New technologies are making it easier to identify potential diamond deposits, while advanced mining technologies are making diamond mining more efficient and sustainable. Moreover, ethical and sustainable diamond mining practices are becoming increasingly important, and Australia is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced diamonds.