CHRONOLOGY
XV11
1924
(21 October) Break-up of the old Diamond Syndicate through the
retirement of Anglo American Corporation and Dunkelsbuhler and Company
1924
Substantial shareholding acquired by
Anglo American Corporation in Bwana M' Kubwa Copper Mining Company in
Northern Rhodesia
1925
Anglo American Corporation
becomes consulting engineers to new 'concession companies' in Northern
Rhodesia
1925 Act No. 39, Diamond Control Act, passed
1925 (28 April) Great Britain returns to the gold standard at the pre-war parity
1925 (22 October) The 'new' Syndicate formed by Ernest Oppenheimer takes over
assets of the old Diamond Syndicate
1926
F. W. Martens discovers a diamond on
the Port Nolloth Reserves in Namaqualand, in February
1926 Beginning of alluvial diamond mining in Lichtenburg area of
the Transvaal
1926 (21 July) Ernest Oppenheimer elected to the board of De Beers
1927 (January) Drs. Merensky and Reuning uncover the diamond riches of
Namaqualand
1927 (27 January) Incorporation of H.L.G. Limited
1927
Act No. 44, Precious Stones Act,
passed
1928 (8 December) Registration of Rhodesian Anglo American Limited
1929
Ernest Oppenheimer completes
purchase of Namaqualand diamonds by acquiring H. Merensky's residual
interest for over £ 1,000,000
1929 (20 December) Ernest Oppenheimer appointed chairman of De Beers
1930 (18 February) Incorporation of the Diamond Corporation Limited
1931
De Beers acquires
shareholdings in, and administrative control over, major diamond-mining
undertakings in South Africa
1931 (21 September) Great Britain abandons the gold standard
1932 (27 December) Government Notice No. 1694 suspends the gold standard in the
Union of South Africa.
1933 (3 August) Registration of Wit. Extensions Limited
