Cullinan Mine is Petra’s flagship asset and a world-class kimberlite, famous for being home of the largest gem diamond (3,106cts) ever recovered as well as being the world’s most important source of blue diamonds.
Discovered in 1902, Cullinan Mine has yielded many of the Earth’s most desirable and iconic diamonds, and is renowned for very rare and highly valuable Type IIb blue diamonds and high-quality Type IIa white diamonds.
Cullinan Mine is a world-class resource, with potential to continue mining into the late 2040s.
Petra has operated Cullinan Mine since 2008 and, through significant capital investment, has turned it from a loss making entity to the world class diamond mine that it is today. Current production uses a block-cave mining method, which is efficient and low cost. Through the installation of a new plant, the application of the latest processing technology and by using highly technical mining methods in accordance with the mine’s various geological technicalities we maximise the value of this unique asset.
FY24
ROM Tonnes
FY24
ROM GRADE
FY24
Average Price
FY24
Revenue
Gross Resources
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The current source of Cullinan Mine’s diamonds are from the C-Cut section, which produces some of the world’s most exceptional diamonds. We also have two development projects approved, the C-Cut Extension and CC1-East, which will increase carat production markedly and extend the mine plan.
Cullinan Mine is a world class resource, with potential to continue into the late 2040s.
1. C-Cut extension
2. CC1-E
D-Cut provides life of mine extension potential to beyond 2040
At Petra’s South African operations we offer both engineering and metallurgy learnerships. Of our 74 learners in FY 2024 (FY 2023: 124), 41% were women. In total, 18 learners completed their programmes in FY 2024 (FY 2023: 30).
Cullinan Mine employs ca. 1,400 employees and contractors. Given the generally accepted x10 multiplier effect, this means ca. 14,000 people in the surrounding community are dependent on the mine.
In FY 2024 Cullinan’s Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate per 200,000 hours worked was 0.3 (FY 2023: 0.5).
In addition to primary healthcare and occupational health services, Petra has an extensive wellness programme to prevent, identify, monitor and support employee illnesses and conditions. 8,786 medical examinations were carried out in FY 2024 across the Group.
Responsible consumption and production are at the forefront of our operational planning at Cullinan Mine, with a dedicated focus on improved energy and water consumption, responsible waste management and biodiversity protection and rehabilitation.
FY24 Carbon Intensity
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FY24 Water efficiency
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Area of protected land
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Our ambition is to foster meaningful relationships with all our stakeholders in a manner that builds trust, ensures transparent communication and creates shared value opportunities.
We are partnered with local black economic empowerment representatives, including women’s groups and, importantly, the Itumeleng Petra Diamonds Employee Trust, ensuring for a shared vision and reward from the mine’s successes.
| Ownership | |
|---|---|
| Petra Diamonds | 74% |
| Kago Diamonds | 14% |
| Itumeleng Petra Employee Trust | 12% |
c. 100% of procurement spend is with local suppliers at our South African operations.
Petra considers providing training, education and development to local community members just as important as training its own workforce, enabling economic uplift and provide potential job opportunities.
Social expenditure
FY 2024
Full time bursary students from our communities supported by Petra
FY 2024
Arrange a surface tour of the famous Cullinan Mine and learn more about its rich history and heritage through one of our three trusted tour operators, Cullinan Tours, Fundani Tours and Premier Diamond Tours.
We are no longer running underground tours of the Cullinan Mine, please read our statement on the closure of these tours here
Since acquiring Cullinan Mine in 2008, we have produced some of the world’s most desirable and valuable natural diamonds: