Elizabeth Bay (Nam 2018)

[Mike Nel]

We were lucky enough to visit Elizabeth Bay after booking it well in advance.
Being in the Sperregebied, there are some red tape involved, as you could well imagine.

But it was well worth it.

Construction started early 1920's and the Plant was fully operational by 1926. Production lasted a mere 9 years. That's right. By 1935, Elizabeth Bay ceased operations. They tried to revive it again in the 40's, but it wasn't financially viable.
In the late 1980's they started again with operations said to halt in 2019.

We visited Kolmanskoppe a few times before and although it is also filled with history, I enjoyed EBay a bit more. They just operated on a different level to that of EBay. Some of the Photos will demonstrate that.

Here we go:

This was the Casino. No gambling took place here, so the name is misleading. It was a watering hole

This was the Factory where almost everything diamond related happened. This place was huge and you would have to stand there o realize just how big this place was and it was all under roof. A glass roof to be precise.

They used shatterproof glass for the roof and the main windows facing the ocean

One of the streets where the whites lived who worked there. There were 3 streets

Living quarters of the coloreds who worked there. There were 1200 at any given time

Washing up area for the coloreds. About 40 basins. Not under roof. 1200 a day through there. Can you imagine?

Both photos are from inside the house of where the white people lived. A original bed and table are still there

This was the swimming pool, 4 Times bigger than that of the one at Kolamanskoppe. This thing was huge

I will add more photos as I go. If you ever get a chance to visit, please do. It's in a Bay so corrosion is a lot worse than that at Kolamnskoppe. It won't be there for long.

[Mike Nel]

Conveyor belt taking sand and stone that came from the ocean, back to the ocean

Fantastic looking Cruiser

[BushWacker]

Mike did you go around the Richtersveld ? ...
I do trip there in Sept:
Kakamas-Pelle-Viooldrif-Helskloof-Eerstefontein- Sendelingsdrif -Fish R Mouth-AisAis-Hobas-Keetmanshoop -MataMata ... etc
(+circuits within parks and conservancy)

... still finalising route so looking for advice etc

[Mike Nel]

Hi. We only spent 2 nights at Potjiespram on our way back

[Mad Manny]

You say current operations are to cease in 2019, so they are currently building there?

[AndreasR]

Very interesting thanks Mike. Next trip on my list.


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[Mike Nel]

You say current operations are to cease in 2019, so they are currently building there?

yes smart ass. Current diamond mining operations will stop in 2019

[Ricof4e]

If you go to such places, always wear vis plakkies. If you see a small enough diamond, you can clinch it between your toes.