The Diamond Mines of South Africa
Some Account of their Rise and Development

First published in 1902, this work describes the discovery and development of diamond mines in South Africa.

Gardner F. Williams (Author)

9781108026598, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2011

774 pages, 521 b/w illus. 12 maps
22.9 x 15.2 x 4.3 cm, 1.12 kg

A life-long friend of Cecil Rhodes, Garner F. Williams (1842–1922) was the first general manager of the De Beers Consolidated Mines, which once produced 95% of the diamond yield of the world. First published in 1902, this work opens with a chapter on notable historical diamonds, and goes on to describe the initial discovery of diamonds in South Africa, the development of mines, the mining methods adopted, the welfare of the miners and a history of the whole diamond-producing region. Williams also includes an appendix, which describes the mechanical workings of winding engines and pumps, and the value of different types of coals, and provides a table listing the yearly yield of the mines since 1888. Nearly 700 pages long, The Diamond Mines of South Africa contains over 500 illustrations and maps.

1. The ancient adamas
2. In traditional Ophir land
3. The pioneer advance
4. The discovery
5. The camps on the Vaal
6. The rush to Kimberley
7. The great white camps
8. Opening the craters
9. The moving men
10. The essential combination
11. Systematic mining
12. Winning the diamonds
13. Obstacles and perils
14. The workers in the mines
15. The mining towns
16. Formation of the diamond
17. The diamond market
18. Cutting and polishing
19. An uplifting power
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: African history [HBJH]