The historic open mine hole, once regarded as a symbol of the town’s identity and a potential driver for tourism development, is now being used as a dumping site for mine waste.

Jagersfontein is home to the oldest and largest hand-dug diamond mine hole in the world. Mining began in 1870. Workers excavated the massive pit by hand for 39 years until operations halted in 1909. 

The mine later closed during the Great Depression, reopened in the late 1940s, and continued operating until its final shutdown in 1973 under De Beers. Years later, the site was revived by new owners.

The Jagersfontein open mine hole is regarded as the oldest and largest hand-dug diamond mine hole in the world. Photo: Itumeleng Trust

The Jagersfontein Diamond Mine and its tailings were initially owned by De Beers before ownership shifted to Jagersfontein Developments (Pty) Ltd, which has been recovering diamonds from the tailings.

Following a damning report released by the department of water and sanitation (DWS) on Friday (28/11), residents said they were dismayed that the historic pit, which many had hoped to see developed for community benefit, has been reduced to a dumping ground.

Some residents also complained they once relied on the mine hole for water, yet now face dry taps as the pit has been filled with mud from the disastrous mudslide that left many destitute.

“It is sad that the mine used the heritage site – the open mine hole, the largest in South Africa, even bigger than the one in Kimberley,” said one of the victims, Tshepiso Ngubeni.

“We thought that was something we were going to develop and use for our community in Jagersfontein, but now we see it being used as a dumping site for the mine. It feels as if all of that is gone. It is very sad that such an old heritage site has simply disappeared because of the mine.”

Residents had waited years for the DWS report, hoping it would reveal the toxins contained in the sludge, how these would affect the community, the likely duration of the contamination, and what safety measures should be taken, especially in the event of rainfall, he added.

In the report, handed to Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae by DWS deputy ministers David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo, a troubling picture emerges of severe negligence by the mine, negligence that ultimately contributed to the 2022 disaster.

DWS deputy minister David Mahlobo handing over the Jagersfontein disaster report to Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

Investigators found that the mine began raising the tailings dam without completing final engineering designs, while construction proceeded without the oversight of registered supervisors. The new structure was built atop a compromised base, further weakening the foundation.

Five individuals have been charged with murder, malicious property damage, and contraventions of the Health and Safety Act.

Ngubeni is among the residents who have taken legal action against the mine owners, with the case scheduled to be heard at the Free State High Court on 14 January.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs