Tens of thousands of miners dug the hole using picks and shovels over several decades, eventually reaching depths of over 200 metres before mining moved underground. The rush also led to the founding of De Beers, which would go on to dominate the global diamond industry for over a century.
Source: Kimberley Big Hole Museum
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is the Big Hole?
Miners dug to a depth of over 200 metres by hand before operations moved underground, and the hole (including its water-filled section today) reaches even deeper.
Can you still visit the Big Hole today?
Yes — it's preserved as a museum and tourist attraction in Kimberley, with a viewing platform overlooking the excavation and exhibits on the diamond rush era.
How many people worked the mine at its peak?
At the height of the rush, an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 diggers worked the site, transforming Kimberley from a small settlement into a booming mining town almost overnight.