The word "diamond" often brings to mind luxurious jewelry like sparkling rings or earrings. However, only about 20% of diamonds mined globally are of gem quality, suitable for these purposes. The remaining 80% are used for industrial applications, as diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth. Approximately 50% of mined diamonds are utilized in cutting, grinding, drilling, and polishing industries.
Diamonds are primarily found in kimberlite rock, an igneous rock brought closer to the Earth’s surface through rare volcanic eruptions. They can also occur in ultramafic intrusive rocks and ultra-high-pressure peridotite. Various mining techniques—such as open-pit, underground, and alluvial mining (used for deposits in riverbeds and coastal areas)—are employed to extract diamonds from these geological formations.
The following are the top 10 largest diamond mines globally.
The listed diamond mines showcase the incredible diversity of geological formations and mining operations worldwide. From Canada's Arctic wilderness to the arid Kalahari Desert and the remote Siberian tundra, these mines are essential to the global diamond industry, supplying gem-quality and industrial-grade diamonds for various applications.
Located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the Argyle mine was one of the world’s largest sources of diamonds by volume before its closure in 2020. Operated by Rio Tinto, the mine was known for its high-quality pink, red, and champagne diamonds. It primarily used an open-pit mining method until transitioning to underground operations in 2013. Before closing, it produced over 800 million carats of diamonds during its lifetime.
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Venetia is South Africa's largest diamond mine, located near the border with Zimbabwe and Botswana. De Beers owns it, which has been operational since 1992. Venetia initially operated as an open-pit mine but is now transitioning to underground mining, which is expected to extend its lifespan to 2046. With an annual production of approximately 4 million carats, Venetia remains a critical contributor to South Africa's diamond industry.
Learn more at De Beers.
Situated in Angola, Catoca is the world's fourth-largest kimberlite pipe and one of the leading diamond mines. Co-owned by Angolan state company Endiama, ALROSA, and other stakeholders, Catoca produces around 6.7 million carats annually. It operates as an open-pit mine, with reserves estimated at 120 million carats, expected to sustain operations for decades.
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Located in the Northwest Territories of Canada, the Diavik Diamond Mine is renowned for its remote Arctic location and its advanced operations. Jointly owned by Rio Tinto and Dominion Diamond Corporation, the mine began operations in 2003 and is projected to continue until 2025. It primarily uses open-pit and underground mining techniques, with annual production averaging 6-7 million carats.
Learn more at Rio Tinto.
The Mir Mine, also known as the Mirny Mine, is located in Yakutia, Russia. This historic open-pit mine reached a depth of over 525 meters before transitioning to underground mining in 2009. Owned by ALROSA, the Mir mine has an estimated reserve of 141 million carats and produces around 2 million carats annually. It remains a significant part of Russia's diamond mining history.
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Nyurba, located in Yakutia, Russia, is a significant diamond mine consisting of three mineral deposits with an estimated total reserve of 133 million carats. It is operated by ALROSA's Nyurba Mining and Processing Division, a subsidiary of the ALROSA Group. Since its establishment as an open-pit mine in 2001, production officially began in 2015, making it one of ALROSA's youngest mining operations. The mine has an annual production rate ranging from 700,000 to 2 million carats.
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Udachny, meaning "lucky," is the third-largest diamond mine globally and is also located in Yakutia, Russia. With an estimated reserve of 164 million carats, this mine is another gem in the ALROSA Group's portfolio. Initially operating as an open-pit mine with a depth exceeding 630 meters, it has transitioned to underground mining as surface resources are gradually depleted. Annual production from underground operations is approximately 5 million carats, maintaining its status as a leading producer.
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Jwaneng, meaning "a place of small stones," is the world's most valuable diamond mine. Situated in the Kalahari Desert of southern Botswana, It boasts a resource base of approximately 166 million carats. The De Beers Group co-owned the mine in partnership with the Botswana government. Operating as an open-pit mine since its inception in 1982, It produces an impressive 12 million carats of diamonds annually.
Learn more at De Beers.
Claiming the top spot is Aikhal, meaning "legend," the largest diamond mine in the world. Located in Yakutia, Russia, this mine has an estimated reserve of 175 million carats and is also owned by ALROSA. Initially functioning as an open-pit mine from 1961 to 1997, Aikhal transitioned to underground mining in 2005. One of its primary shafts, Jubilee, reaches a depth of over 400 meters, with plans to extend to approximately 720 meters. Despite its immense scale, Aikhal maintains an annual production of around 1.3 million carats.
Learn more at Isreal Diamond Industry.