Cullinan (Petra) Diamond Mine

Day 2 – Southern Africa

This morning, we headed northeast past Pretoria to visit the former Cullinan Diamond Mine which is now owned by Petra Diamonds.  Our driver, S’busiso, packed the hour-long drive with a very thorough overview of the history of the Zulu people from the days of Shaka Zulu up to the  present day leadership of Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s current president.  I won’t reveal all that we learned in hopes that you will be motivated to visit South Africa and get an authentic history lesson, but know that we each felt enlightened beyond what we had ever read or heard about this tribe after our time with him.  S’busiso also offered us a little more insight into the tragedy at Marikana which differed from what we had seen in the press.  We are certainly not in a position to take sides or make any judgment calls, but we did get a perspective we wouldn’t have gotten had we not had the benefit of meeting him.

As we began to see the mine in the distance, S’busiso gave us a Cliff’s Notes version of the process resulting in the formation of diamonds and how they are mined.  We were primed well once onsite as his briefing fit perfectly with the diagrams, photos, equipment, and buildings we saw.

Heading toward the mine

Worker and tourist entrance

Just before we reached the entrance point and sat down for our introductory video, we witnessed a Sunday Tradition in the town – motorcyclists up from Johannesburg having breakfast/brunch.  The beginning of the street fronting the mine was loaded with bikes, mostly sportbikes from a range of makers and Harleys.  This was totally unexpected, and of course, I planned to get a photo on the way back so as to not detract us from our plans to arrive on time, but they were all just about gone once our tour was done.  So…it’s not like I don’t know this, but, I will remind myself yet again:  when you see something you want, and you can get it, and it’s exactly what you want, get it right away; it most likely will not be there on the return.  This is the case for photos too, and not just “stuff.”

Monthly production statistics on display so that workers know how close they are to hitting targets

The latest production results

After the quick Petra Diamond Mine video, our guide Fran helped us with our hardhats, and we walked through the “Blue Area” following the path of the kimberlite rock which indicates the presence of diamonds.  Though Botswana is the top producer of the world’s diamonds, the ones found at this mine are the world record-breakers for size and quality for white diamonds, as well as blue ones.

Fran gave us the history of the mine from its beginning in 1903 as Premier Diamond Mining Co.  She explained the 4-C’s (cut, carat, clarity, and color), weight determination, and the stringent rules barring the sale of even the waste material from the mine.  As it’s still fully operational, we were only allowed in certain areas, and were reminded frequently that we were being closely monitored.  Again, I don’t want to reveal to much in hopes that you will visit one day on your own, but we now know the end-to-end process of diamond formation and wear…from volcano to finger, ear, and or neck.

Here’s what it’s like at the very, very beginning of a shaft (with light)

The explosive emulsion that causes the mine implosions

Control room powering push through mine

Huge motor

Super heavy cables supporting transport within the mine

Conveyor belt on which the kimberlite travels

Mini-Grand Canyon at the diamond mine

Of course we were tempted with diamonds from the mine to purchase at the end of the tour, yet despite all the sparkle we toughed it out and cash and cards did not see the light of day.  Instead we talked more about the workers, career progression, and provisions being made for the future of the site after the mine is no longer operating 20-40 years from now.  As with many other former working mines, tourism is expected to play a major role in support for the families of the workers once the mine is closed.

A few of the diamonds unearthed at the mine

Cullinan traditional and modern cut replicas

Beautiful blue Petra Diamonds with the Cullinan Star

Cullinan Diamonds are found within the Queen’s jewels

Once back at the Melrose Arch complex, we wandered through the mall in search of a cardigan to combat the cool temperatures.  We sealed the deal at MANGO, and headed back to the hotel where a pre-birthday birthday cake surprise was awaiting one of our group members!  We shared the cake, wine, a late lunch, and a bunch of laughs before enjoying some independent time before bed.

Interior shot of the Mall at Melrose Arch

Edgar’s Department Store at Melrose Arch

This would have been a really nice birthday gift

Nothing says happy birthday like carrot cake

Tommorow?  Can’t wait.  Robin Binckes will give us more history on South Africa as we tour Soweto  (Johannesburg’s South West Township).