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Mine Shift: The Collapse of the Jagersfontein Diamond Mine Tailings Pond

On 11 September 2022, The South East Side Of The Jagersfontein Tailings Pond Collapsed.

March 6, 2023
Image showing the mud slide caused by the collapse of the Jagersfontein Diamond Mine Pond

The resulting tidal wave of grey sludge slammed into the neighbouring environment and communities, wiping out properties, polluting waterways and claiming the lives of two people. 40 more were injured.

We had been monitoring the tailings pond earlier in the year, mapping the key features and exploring local flood risks in the event of a breach.

When catastrophe struck later in the year, we carried out InSAR analysis of the dam itself to investigate whether any warning signs were evident in the preceding months. This is what we found.

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