Official source
Source domain: alexkor.co.za
Collected on 29 July 2026
Always confirm details on the official source before acting.
What this means
This is a webpage section titled “Operations” from Alexkor SOC Ltd. It describes the geological origin and distribution of marine alluvial diamonds along South Africa’s west coast and Namibia, and explains how Alexkor conducts shallow-water marine diamond mining. The page states that Alexkor holds a lease to prospect for and mine diamonds in specific sea concession areas and that shallow-water contractors perform diver-based mining, with proceeds shared on a percentage basis. It also mentions measures to improve recovery and contractor management, including a vessel monitoring system and a centralised technical database (Alexkor Contractor Management System, CMS).
Facts
Reference
https://alexkor.co.za/operations/
Key Takeaways
- Document is an “Operations” webpage section for Alexkor SOC Ltd
- Diamond distribution: west coast from south of the Olifants River to the present day Orange River; also Namibian coast at least as far north as Conception Bay
- Alexkor lease to prospect/mine in sea concession areas: 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 3a, 4a, 4b and adjacent surf zones
- Approximately 17 shallow-water contractors undertake diver-based mining in sub-tidal concession areas
- Mining process: pumps suck gravel from the sea floor; gravel screened and processed at onshore dense media separation (DMS) plants
- Proceeds shared between shallow-water contractors and Alexkor on a percentage basis
- Contractor support/management improvements: vessel monitoring system and centralised technical database (Alexkor Contractor Management System, CMS)
- Reg. No. 1992/006368/30; incorporated by Act No 116 of 1992
- Alexkor SOC Ltd
- Msomi Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Alexkor Contractor Management System (CMS)
- Olifants River
- Orange River
- Karoo River
- Kalahari River (proto Orange River)
- Buffels River
- Swartlintjies River
- Conception Bay