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Ch. 13: Principal Diamond Mines of S. Africa

Ch. 13: Principal Diamond Mines of S. Africa Page of 448 Ch. 13: Principal Diamond Mines of S. Africa Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
PRINCIPAL SOUTH AFRICAN MINES 283
the terms offered by the De Beers were accepted, and the Dutoitspan became a part of the Consolidation. The De Beers management, nevertheless, having gained con­trol of the mine, did close it down and kept it idle until they succeeded in buying up all the outstanding shares. Then they made preparations to work it.
When the De Beers began to work the mine, there was about a hundred feet of water in it. Pumps were installed and about 296,000,000 gallons removed. On August 13, 1901, a shaft in the reef was begun and sunk to 775 feet. It went through:
This arrangement of the strata differs from those sur­rounding the other mines of this group, as the company-had never met with diorite before, nor had they ever encountered quartzite above the melaphyr. It is sup­posed to be a displacement by the intrusion of the diorite.
From the main cross cut, drives were run to a distance of 500 feet, and it was estimated that the mine con­tained in sight above the 750 foot level, 24,380,000 loads. The equipment of this mine has been excep­tionally good. With the experience of years to draw upon, the best has been furnished. The equipment is electrical. Underground locomotives for haulage, hoists,
Ch. 13: Principal Diamond Mines of S. Africa Page of 448 Ch. 13: Principal Diamond Mines of S. Africa
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