ALEXCOR DIAMOND MINES
Alexcor is the diamond mining company on the south bank of the Orange River at the river mouth. Alluvial diamonds are recovered from the ocean floor much in the same manner as at the NAMDEB mine which is located in Namibia on the north bank of the Orange River.
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As is the case with the NAMDEB mine, the Alexcor mining operation is also a very large and impressive development. Most of the diamonds recovered are high grade stones that can be used for jewelry however the mining operations are gradually turning to deeper waters with the result that ships with huge suction pipes must be used to collect the sand and diamonds from the ocean floor.
Alexcor also has its own highly developed infrastructure which is self sufficient in many regards. The town of Alexander Bay is the main centre which contains shopping centres, cinemas, sports facilities, medical facilities etc. The company operate their own agricultural developments including orchards and various livestock enterprises (mainly cattle, goats, pigs and ostriches). They have their own slaughter and processing facilities and are gradually becoming a major supplier of dairy products to the surrounding areas.
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Approximately 12 million m3 of Orange River water is abstracted by Alexcor at Brand Karos, some 30 km upstream from Alexander Bay. The water is used mainly for irrigation and livestock in this hot and dry area where annual rainfall is in the order of only 25 mm. The area has a very unusual climate which depends heavily on the wind direction. An offshore wind carries the hot desert air from far inland, resulting in scorching temperatures which can reach the 50's. An onshore wind on the other hand brings in the mist from the sea which is cooled by the cold Augulus current and the temperatures can drop to below freezing during the winter months.
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Although the area receives very little in the way of rainfall, the flora, fauna and surrounding scenery are nevertheless very impressive. The area is rapidly becoming popular with tourists who wish a change from their usual sun-drenched beaches and Alexcor is actively encouraging a new form of eco-tourism in the area. Accommodation can be arranged either in Alexander Bay or at the agricultural developments near Brand Karos.
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The river estuary is also an area of great beauty and plays host to a wide variety of birdlife. In view of its environmental importance, the estuary has been designated a RAMSAR site which indicates that South Africa and Namibia will ensure that the area is not degraded by further development either locally or elsewhere in the Orange River catchment.
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