The Historical Kimberley Big Hole and Mining Village
- 1. The Historical Kimberley Big Hole and Mining Village is a remarkable site located in Kimberley, South Africa, and is renowned as one of the largest hand-dug excavations in the world. This massive open-pit mine, originally known as the Kimberley Mine, was discovered in the late 19th century during the diamond rush, which attracted thousands of prospectors and laborers eager to seek their fortunes. The Big Hole itself measures about 1,580 meters in circumference and reaches a depth of approximately 240 meters, yet it was excavated with just simple tools like picks and shovels, showcasing the incredible human effort and determination involved in its creation. Surrounding the Big Hole is the historic mining village, which has been preserved to give visitors insight into the mining life of the time. The village features a collection of reconstructions and preserved buildings, including a replica of the original miners' settlements, as well as museums that tell the story of the diamond rush, the lives of the miners, and the socio-economic impact of the diamond mining industry on both local and international scales. This site not only highlights the historical significance of diamond mining in South Africa but also serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and triumphs faced by those who lived during that tumultuous period in history.
In which country is the Kimberley Big Hole located?
A) South Africa
B) United States
C) Australia
D) Canada
- 2. When did diamond mining begin in Kimberley?
A) 1865
B) 1892
C) 1886
D) 1871
- 3. Which company was formed to consolidate diamond mining in Kimberley?
A) Gold Fields
B) Anglo American
C) Rand Mines
D) De Beers
- 4. What year was the Kimberley Big Hole officially closed to mining?
A) 1930
B) 1925
C) 1914
D) 1900
- 5. What is a popular tourist attraction at the Kimberley site today?
A) A shopping mall
B) An amusement park
C) The Big Hole museum
D) A wildlife sanctuary
- 6. Who was the notable entrepreneur behind the consolidation of diamond mines in Kimberley?
A) Cecil Rhodes
B) John Moffat
C) David Goldblatt
D) Solomon Kullin
- 7. Which significant economic entity emerged from the Kimberley diamond fields?
A) South African Railways
B) Rand Merchant Bank
C) Gold Fields Limited
D) De Beers Consolidated Mines
- 8. What was a major consequence of the diamond rush in Kimberley?
A) Decreased migration
B) Rapid urbanization
C) Environmental conservation
D) Economic decline
- 9. What is the primary current use of the Kimberley Big Hole?
A) Agriculture
B) Water reservoir
C) Tourist attraction
D) Mining operations
- 10. What was the purpose of the railway built to Kimberley?
A) To facilitate tourism
B) To transport diamonds and miners
C) To transport agricultural goods
D) To enhance military logistics
- 11. What was the main material extracted from the Kimberley Big Hole?
A) Gold
B) Diamonds
C) Copper
D) Coal
- 12. What aspect of the Kimberley Big Hole contributes to its historical significance?
A) Its role in the diamond rush
B) Its geological formation
C) Its agricultural output
D) Its military history
- 13. What was the original name of the town where the Kimberley Big Hole is located?
A) Diamond City
B) Goldfield
C) New Rush
D) South Fort
- 14. How was the Kimberley Big Hole originally excavated?
A) Dynamite
B) Water jets
C) Heavy machinery
D) By hand
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