LL4

Keate Award

In 1871, Lieutenant-Governor RW Keate awarded the diamond fields to the Griqua, leading to the establishment of Griqualand West.

Alluvial Diggings

Major diamond discoveries were made near Barkley West in areas where diamonds were found near the surface in extinct banks of the Vaal River.

Claim System

Initially, individual diggers at Kimberley owned one small square of land called a 'claim,' limiting the number of claims one person could own to prevent monopolization.

Discrimination against Black Miners

In the 1870s, laws were passed making it illegal for black individuals to own claims, forcing them to work for white diggers and leading to discrimination in diamond mining.

Formation of Mining Companies

During the economic depression of 1881-82, small diggers were forced out of business, leading wealthier diggers to form companies to consolidate control over diamond mining.

Monopoly Control

Cecil John Rhodes and Barney Barnato controlled diamond mining in Kimberley through companies like De Beers, regulating supply and prices to maintain profits.

Amalgamation

The process of joining smaller companies into larger ones continued in the diamond fields, leading to the formation of powerful mining companies like De Beers and Kimberley Central Mining Company.

Illicit Diamond Buying

To prevent theft and illegal selling of diamonds, black workers were confined to closed compounds for the duration of their contracts in the diamond fields.