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Revamped Kimberly Big Hole to re-open 25 November 2006

14 November 2006 Visitors will be taken back in time when the revamped Big Hole project opens to the public on Saturday 25 November. Attendants will be dressed in nineteenth century period costumes at the official opening. There will be a mixture of the old and the new at the city’s most famous landmark, with a bar, a guest house and various retails hops, including a fast food caravan, restaurants and a photography shop, nestled in the old town section that contains all the original attractions.

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The public will also be able to experience what it feels like to be underground in a diamond mine – complete with stimulated dynamite blasts and mine dust.

The original yellow 616-carat perfect octahedron Eureka diamond, which will be lit with special optical lights, can be viewed in a vault that will be able to accommodate up to 15 people.
The diamond wing will also exhibit a pulsator machine that is used to separate diamonds from ordinary rocks in modern mining operations. A theater that can seat a total of 65 people for the viewing of a 20-minute film on influential people during the discovery of diamonds in Kimberley is available. The film features local actors.

None of the buildings have been demolished during the upgrade and all construction is to be completed by opening day.

The Big Hole will be open from 8am until 5 pm daily except on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Visitors are encouraged to book before visiting the Big Hole. Entrance fees will be advised telephonically, with special rates being offered to groups, schools and pensioners.

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