The Cullinan Diamond Mine is renowned as a source of large, high-quality gem diamonds, including Type II stones, as well as being the world’s most important source of very rare blue diamonds. Cullinan earned its place in history with the discovery of the Cullinan diamond in 1905, the largest rough gem diamond ever found at 3,106 carats, which was cut to form the two most important diamonds in the British Crown Jewels. Many of the world’s most famous diamonds herald from Cullinan, and it continues to produce world-class diamonds under Petra’s stewardship. The Cullinan orebody contains a major diamond resource of 195 Mcts, suggesting a potentially long life for the operation of +50 years.

The Cullinan kimberlite pipe was discovered in 1902 and open pit mining commenced at the ‘Premier’ mine (as it was then known) in 1903. Ore extraction has been by underground mining methods since 1946. Ore extraction has varied between 2 and 5 Mt per annum and ore treatment between 2 and 7 Mt per annum. The mine was renamed ‘Cullinan’ as part of its centenary celebrations and to link the mine to the illustrious heritage of the Cullinan diamond, which provided the two main polished diamonds within the British Crown Jewels (the 530 carat Great Star of Africa and the 317 carat Lesser Star of Africa).

Points of Interest

• Johannesburg

• Convenient hotel and port pickup and drop-off
• Learn from both local and professional guides
• Personalized attention from a tour escort/host
• Choose between private or shared round-trip transfers
• Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned minivan or private vehicle

• Drinks
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Food and drinks
• Lunch
• Gratuities

Join us for exclusive subterranean expeditions of the still-operational Cullinan Diamond Mine. This mine is renowned for producing some of the globe’s largest high-quality gemstones and boasts the record for the world’s largest diamond - the Cullinan (3106 ct). Recently, it has been the source of several unprecedented blue diamonds, including a 122.52-carat gem which fetched a whopping US$ 27.6 million in 2014. Following the tour, guests will get the chance to browse the Cullinan Diamond Mine’s marketplace for a unique diamond and jewellery purchasing experience.

• Minimum drinking age is 18 years

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.