Diamonds were first discovered on the south bank of the lower Orange River by Dr Ernst Reuning in 1957. Following this discovery, prospecting on the Northern Bank started in 1968. Exploration and sampling for Auchas Deposit started in 1986. Auchas mine started production in June 1990 and closed in June 2000. Daberas Mine started in October 1999 and it was officially inaugurated by His Excellency President Sam Nujoma on the 30 May 2002. As of 2006, Daberas has a 4 years life of mine left. A pre-feasibility study for the Sendelingsdrif area which was completed in 2004 indicated a potential seven year life of mine. A full feasibility study will be undertaken during the first quarter of 2008. A geographical map below indicates the diamonds mineral deposit along the Orange River. Achievements Orange River Mines operation is proud of its safety, health and environmental achievements. Daberas mine has achieved its 7th consecutive NOSCAR status in 2005. Thirteen million fatality-free man-hours have been worked since November 1989. The mine is ISO 14001 accredited for its environmental program. Contributions In 2005, Orange River Mines contributed 14.5% of total revenue produced by Namdeb and 7.3% of all carats production achieved. Orange River Mines are renowned for the good stone size and the quality of stones that they produced. Daberas Daberas Mine, which is one of the Orange River Mines, is situated 65 km north-east of Oranjemund on the north bank of the Orange River. Following a successful sampling programme in 1995, a feasibility study was initiated. Mining of the resources commenced in October 1999.The mine has an estimated remaining life of approximately 4 years as from the beginning of 2006. Daberas is a conventional opencast mining operation. The mine employs approximately 237 people and it has 47 units of heavy earthmoving machines. The mining operation is a continuous 7 days a week, 24 hours per day, operation. Employees working on the shift system, work 12 hour shifts per day - one week on and one week off. Mining overview Mining is carried out by using conventional open pit mining techniques. Overburden and ore are removed using hydraulic excavators and 52 tonne haul trucks. Major benches in the pit are 10 metres in height. The compacted nature of the deposit, along with the presence of sandstone and conglomerate lenses necessitates drilling and blasting in some areas. Bedrock cleaning is accomplished by using a combination of suction machines and bulk excavation techniques. Partners in the mining operation include: ● B & E International is contracted to carry out some mining activities and traetment operation. ● Barloworld is contracted to repairs and to maintain earthmoving machines. ● Trentyre is contracted to manage the tyres at Orange River Mines.   A proper short and long term mine planning is required to ensure that the diamonds bearing minerals are mined at maximum financial return, taking into account certain practical constraints. Rehabilitation of the mined out area is an integral part of the planning process. Haul roads, back dumping into worked out areas and waste dump design are properly planned to ensure that mining takes place with due regard to the environment.