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There are three industrial mining centres in southern Africa that once stood at the forefront of imperial expansion; Kimberley (South Africa), Kabwe (Zambia), and Tsumeb (Namibia). Once they promised modernity, progress and economic development, but now they are bedevilled by the toxic legacy of economic collapse, societal upheaval and environmental ruin. “Boom to Dust” will research and write the post-humanist multi-species environmental histories of these three industrial mining centres between 1870 and 2020.
Kimberley, in South Africa’s Northern Cape, is world-renowned as the birthplace of the diamond mining industry. The discovery of diamonds here in the late 19th century sparked the famous “Diamond Rush,” transforming Kimberley into a bustling city almost overnight. The Big Hole, an enormous hand-dug pit, stands as a reminder of the city's mining history and remains a popular tourist attraction. Kimberley played a central role in shaping South Africa’s mining policies and labour systems, and while diamond mining has largely declined, the city’s legacy continues as a center of South African history and mining heritage.
Kabwe, situated in central Zambia, is historically significant as the site of Zambia’s first commercial mine. Known for its lead and zinc production, Kabwe was once a center of economic activity in the region, drawing workers from across the country. However, extensive lead mining has left a lasting environmental impact, with lead contamination posing serious health risks to residents. Despite the cessation of large-scale mining operations, Kabwe is an example of the environmental challenges that mining communities face and serves as a focal point for cleanup efforts aimed at protecting residents and restoring the local environment.
Tsumeb, located in northern Namibia, is known for its rich mining heritage, particularly in copper, lead, and zinc. The Tsumeb Mine, one of the most famous in the world, has yielded over 200 mineral species, including rare minerals found nowhere else on Earth. Established in the early 1900s, the mine became a focal point of the town's economy and played a significant role in Namibia’s industrial growth. Although mining has slowed, Tsumeb remains an important hub for the mining industry, with its smelter facility still active and providing employment opportunities for local communities.
In this paper, Jan-Bart Gewald shows a possible relationship between diamond mining and the extinction of the Quagga (Equus Quagga Quagga). The world’s last living Quagga died in the stables under the library of Amsterdam Artis (Zoo) on the 12th of August 1883.