What are Kimberlite Pipes?
Kimberlite is a rare rock type commonly found in carrot-shaped pipes which represent the roots of ancient, small volcanoes. A drawing of a carrot shaped kimberlite pipe appears above. Originating from over 150 km below the earth’s surface where diamonds are commonly formed, the kimberlite may bring diamonds to surface. Globally, kimberlite pipes average 12 hectares in surface area, and may reach depths of several hundred metres. The kimber pipes used by the Diavik Diamond Mine range in surface area from 0.9 to 1.6 hectares, and extend below 400 metres.