SourcingSep 06, 2022
Authorities Investigate Worker Fatality at Gahcho Kué Mine in CanadaSourcingSep 14, 2022
At Least 3 Killed After Tailings Dam Collapses at S. Africa Diamond Mine
The accident occurred at Jagersfontein, an inactive mine where a Dubai-based company currently reprocesses tailings.
This photo from the South African government’s Twitter account shows the damage the Sept. 11 collapse of a tailings dam at the Jagersfontein Mine caused to nearby homes and businesses. (Photo courtesy of @GovernmentZA)
Jagersfontein-Charlesville, South Africa—At least three people were killed earlier this week after a dam burst at an inactive open-pit diamond mine in South Africa currently owned by Dubai-based Stargems Group.
According to the South African government, a dam holding back tailings at the Jagersfontein Mine collapsed around 6 a.m. local time on Sept. 11.
The accident flooded local homes and infrastructure with sludge, knocking out power, displacing residents and killing at least three people, according to a statement issued Sunday by the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Additionally, four people are missing and 27 have been treated for hypothermia or injuries.
According to the South African government, a dam holding back tailings at the Jagersfontein Mine collapsed around 6 a.m. local time on Sept. 11.
The accident flooded local homes and infrastructure with sludge, knocking out power, displacing residents and killing at least three people, according to a statement issued Sunday by the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Additionally, four people are missing and 27 have been treated for hypothermia or injuries.
[Watch] President Cyril Ramaphosa visits Jagersfontein where flooding from a disused mine has caused the evacuation of hundreds of people from their homes and the death of at least one person. #Jagersfontein pic.twitter.com/nJ0vm4tlmO
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) September 12, 2022
Originally a De Beers Group mine, Jagersfontein has been the site of diamond digging since the late 1800s and has produced some of the world’s largest rough diamonds, including the 972-carat “Excelsior.”
De Beers confirmed that it stopped mining on the site in 1971. In 2010, it sold Jagersfontein to the Superkolong Consortium, a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) holding company for a number of mining operations.
In April of this year, Stargems Group bought Jagersfontein as well as the rights to an alluvial diamond project near Kimberley, South Africa, from Reinet Investments for an undisclosed amount. South African billionaire and Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert runs Reinet.
Via Jagersfontein Developments Ltd., Stargems Group reprocesses old tailings at the former mine site, meaning the company sifts through waste in the hopes of finding diamonds that were missed the first time around.
“Rooipoort (the alluvial project) and Jagersfontein … are a source of high-value and exceptional single stones and a very healthy run-of-mine production,” Stargems Group Chairman Shailesh Javeri told Rapaport at the time of the acquisition. “We hope to increase the production in the coming years and add value to the mine and the communities it represents.”
Stargems Group did not respond to National Jeweler’s request comment on the dam failure Tuesday, but Bloomberg reported the company is investigating the cause of the collapse and pledging 20 million South African rand ($1.2 million) to help the community recover.
Related stories will be right here …
De Beers confirmed that it stopped mining on the site in 1971. In 2010, it sold Jagersfontein to the Superkolong Consortium, a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) holding company for a number of mining operations.
In April of this year, Stargems Group bought Jagersfontein as well as the rights to an alluvial diamond project near Kimberley, South Africa, from Reinet Investments for an undisclosed amount. South African billionaire and Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert runs Reinet.
Via Jagersfontein Developments Ltd., Stargems Group reprocesses old tailings at the former mine site, meaning the company sifts through waste in the hopes of finding diamonds that were missed the first time around.
“Rooipoort (the alluvial project) and Jagersfontein … are a source of high-value and exceptional single stones and a very healthy run-of-mine production,” Stargems Group Chairman Shailesh Javeri told Rapaport at the time of the acquisition. “We hope to increase the production in the coming years and add value to the mine and the communities it represents.”
Stargems Group did not respond to National Jeweler’s request comment on the dam failure Tuesday, but Bloomberg reported the company is investigating the cause of the collapse and pledging 20 million South African rand ($1.2 million) to help the community recover.
News of the deaths in South Africa come less than two weeks after another diamond mine-related fatality.
An employee of a contractor partner at De Beers Canada and Mountain Province Diamonds’ Gahcho Kué mine died Sept. 1 following an incident at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
De Beers and Mountain Province said authorities are investigating the incident. A De Beers spokesperson said Wednesday there is no update on the incident at this time and no details will be shared while the investigation is active.
At the request of the contractor partner, De Beers and Mountain Province are not sharing any personal details about the individual who was killed.
The Jagersfontein dam collapse also comes less than a year after reports of another diamond mine tailings dam incident, this one in Angola.
In September 2021, researchers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa University said a leak of heavy metals from a tailings dam at the Catoca mine in neighboring Angola polluted two Congo River tributaries, killing people and fish and affecting nearly a million lives.
The following month, however, Catoca, a joint venture of Alrosa and Angola’s state-run diamond company, Endiama, refuted the claim that the “toxic” spill had killed people, stating that it had tested the water and found it to contain a mixture of sand and clay, but no hard metals, Reuters reported.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
