Diamond mining in Australia has a rich history, with the country becoming one of the world’s significant producers of diamonds, particularly after the discovery of the Argyle mine. Here’s an overview:
Early Discoveries (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)
- Initial Findings: The first recorded discovery of diamonds in Australia occurred in the 1850s, around the time of the gold rush. These were small alluvial diamonds found in New South Wales. However, these early finds did not lead to any significant diamond mining activities.
- Later Discoveries: In the early 20th century, additional diamonds were found in other parts of the country, including Western Australia, but these were mostly small and of little economic interest.
Argyle Diamond Mine (1979-2020)
Loading ore in the main pit of the Argyle diamond mine in the East Kimberley Region of Western Australia. This is the world’s largest producing diamond mine.
- Discovery and Development: The modern diamond mining industry in Australia began in earnest with the discovery of the Argyle diamond deposit in the Kimberley region of Western Australia in 1979 by the company CRA Exploration (now part of Rio Tinto). This discovery was significant as it contained one of the world’s richest diamond deposits.
- Production: The Argyle mine commenced operations in 1983 and quickly became the world’s largest producer of diamonds by volume. It was especially famous for producing pink diamonds, which are among the rarest and most valuable in the world. The mine also produced a large quantity of brown diamonds, which were initially undervalued but later marketed successfully under the name “champagne diamonds.”
- Impact on the Global Market: The Argyle mine significantly impacted the global diamond market, particularly with its high-volume production of smaller and lower-quality diamonds. The unique pink diamonds from Argyle became highly sought after, commanding premium prices.
- Decline and Closure: By the 2010s, the Argyle mine’s production began to decline as the quality of the remaining ore diminished. Rio Tinto eventually closed the mine in November 2020, marking the end of an era in Australian diamond mining.
Other Diamond Mining Operations
- Ellendale Diamond Mine: Located in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia, the Ellendale mine was another significant source of diamonds, particularly known for its yellow diamonds. The mine operated from 2002 until it closed in 2015 due to economic challenges.
- Merlin Diamond Mine: Located in the Northern Territory, the Merlin mine was known for producing large, high-quality diamonds. It operated intermittently, with production beginning in the late 1990s and continuing at various times under different ownerships.
The Future of Diamond Mining in Australia
- Exploration and Potential: Although the major mines like Argyle and Ellendale have closed, there is still ongoing exploration in Australia, with companies searching for new diamond deposits. The legacy of these mines, particularly the Argyle mine’s pink diamonds, continues to influence the diamond industry.
- Economic and Cultural Impact: The diamond mining industry has played an important role in the Australian economy, particularly in the regions where these mines were located. The Argyle pink diamonds, in particular, have become a cultural icon, with their rarity and beauty making them highly prized by collectors and investors.
In summary, Australia’s diamond mining history is closely tied to the development and operation of the Argyle mine, which transformed the country into a leading diamond producer and left a lasting legacy, especially with its rare and valuable pink diamonds.
