Marine diamond mining and the environment

Abstract

The Namaqualand coast is situated in the north-western part of South Africa. It sustains a fishery as well as a diamond mining industry, both of great importance for the South African economy. On the Namaqualand coast, diamonds have been mined from raised marine gravel-deposits since early this century. But coastal areas as this sustain some of the most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems in the world, and due to their riches, these areas are often threatened by human activities. The need for wise management is now urgent.