The 10 Largest Diamond Mines In The World
The largest diamond mines in the world are ranked by the amount of diamonds they produce annually, usually measured in carats. These mines are primarily located in countries rich in diamond deposits, such as Russia, Botswana, and Canada. Here are the 10 largest diamond mines in the world as of 2024:
1. Jwaneng Mine (Botswana)
- Owner: Debswana (joint venture between De Beers and the Botswana government)
- Production: ~12.5 million carats annually
- Key Features:
- Known as the richest diamond mine by value.
- The mine is open-pit and has been operating since 1982.
- Botswana’s diamond industry plays a key role in the country's economy.
2. Orapa Mine (Botswana)
- Owner: Debswana
- Production: ~10.8 million carats annually
- Key Features:
- One of the largest diamond-producing mines by area.
- The Orapa mine is an open-pit mine and produces both gem and industrial-quality diamonds.
- Orapa plays a central role in Botswana's diamond wealth.
3. Udachny Mine (Russia)
- Owner: Alrosa
- Production: ~10 million carats annually
- Key Features:
- Located in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), this is one of Russia’s oldest and most productive mines.
- The mine has both an open-pit and underground component.
- Russia is the largest producer of diamonds by volume in the world.
4. Nyurba Mine (Russia)
- Owner: Alrosa
- Production: ~8.5 million carats annually
- Key Features:
- Another major mine in Russia operated by Alrosa.
- Opened in 2001, Nyurba has consistently ranked among the top diamond producers.
- The mine operates primarily as an open-pit mine.
5. Catoca Mine (Angola)
- Owner: Sociedade Mineira de Catoca (owned by Endiama, Alrosa, and others)
- Production: ~7 million carats annually
- Key Features:
- Angola’s largest diamond mine and one of the largest in the world.
- Primarily open-pit, Catoca produces both gem and industrial diamonds.
- The mine contributes significantly to Angola’s diamond export earnings.
6. Mir Mine (Russia)
- Owner: Alrosa
- Production: ~6.5 million carats annually (when fully operational)
- Key Features:
- Also known as the Mirny mine, it is a combination of an open-pit and underground mine.
- The Mir mine is one of Russia’s most iconic diamond mines, though it faced challenges and was temporarily closed in recent years.
7. Venetia Mine (South Africa)
- Owner: De Beers
- Production: ~5 million carats annually
- Key Features:
- The largest diamond mine in South Africa.
- Transitioning from open-pit to underground mining to extend its life.
- Plays a key role in the diamond sector in Africa.
8. Letseng Mine (Lesotho)
- Owner: Gem Diamonds and the Government of Lesotho
- Production: ~115,000 carats annually (high-value diamonds)
- Key Features:
- Known for producing some of the largest and most valuable diamonds in the world, including multiple 100+ carat stones.
- Even though the production volume is smaller, the high quality and size of the diamonds make this mine extremely profitable.
9. Karowe Mine (Botswana)
- Owner: Lucara Diamond
- Production: ~300,000 carats annually (high-value diamonds)
- Key Features:
- Famous for producing several of the largest diamonds ever found, including the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona.
- Focuses on the recovery of large, high-quality diamonds.
10. Ekati Mine (Canada)
- Owner: Arctic Canadian Diamond Company
- Production: ~4.5 million carats annually
- Key Features:
- Canada’s first operational diamond mine, located in the Northwest Territories.
- Operates both open-pit and underground mining operations.
- Significant contributor to Canada’s diamond production, known for high-quality gem diamonds.
These diamond mines have shaped the global diamond industry, with several of them dominating diamond production both in volume and value. The combination of high carat output and the production of large, high-quality diamonds makes them critical to the global jewelry and industrial markets.
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