Even though the Cape Coast Exploration Company (later to be taken over by De Beers Consolidated Mining) bought out all diamond prospects to Hondeklip Bay in November 1927, no serious mining was undertaken until the 1980’s. Unfortunately Trans Hex Mining Ltd. (affiliated to Remgro and the Rembrandt Group) shut down their operations in Hondeklip Bay on the 31st January 2003 after extensively excavating and producing thousands of carats of diamonds for almost 20 years. The farms Hondeklip and portions of the adjoining farm Avontuur are characterised by a series of large excavations and overburdened dumps. Many of these were created in the 70’s and are currently merely being made safe! Overburden dumps are only sloped to enhance stability and sustainability. Unfortunately, for the community of Hondeklip Bay, this is not much in the way of a bequest, as very slight development and growth have been left behind. The community can only trust that this company will do some responsible rehabilitation before they ultimately depart. A major factor that has always been standing in the way of development in Hondeklip Bay is the scarcity of water. During 1998 a water pipeline was laid from the neighbouring town of Koingnaas to Hondeklip Bay. This was supposed to replace the old system of carting water by truck, but due to a misunderstanding between the Namaqualand Regional Council, the Department of Water Affairs and De Beers Consolidated Mining, almost 2 ½ years passed before the pipeline was officially operative in 2001. Although the water is limited in quantity and quality, a historic milestone had at last been achieved at the beginning of the 21st century! .............Continued from previous page