Welcome ● Wamkelekile ● Welkom
...to unlocking the secrets of the deep Earth
Our Mission
The Kimberlite Research Group, housed within the University of Cape Town’s Department of Geological Sciences and partnered with the Centre for Minerals Research, leads cutting-edge deep Earth research on kimberlites, mantle xenoliths, and diamonds. Drawing on our exceptional xenolith and diamond collections and working in close collaboration with the diamond industry, we advance geoscience knowledge and strengthen connections between research and industry.
Our mission is to unlock the secrets of the deep Earth, foster innovation in geoscience, and train the next generation of scientists through impactful research and industry partnerships.
Our impact
Where Deep Earth Research Meets Innovation and Collaboration.
Research Papers
Peer-reviewed articles
Our team has published numerous papers in reputable journals, contributing to global knowledge on earth sciences and enhancing academic dialogue in the field.
Research Collections
Sample curation
We maintain extensive collections of mantle xenoliths and diamonds that serve as critical resources for ongoing research and educational purposes.
Collaborations
Collaborative projects
Engaging with other institutions and researchers worldwide has expanded our research capabilities and fostered innovative multi-disciplinary collaboration.
Student research
Graduate student supervision
The Kimberlite Research Group currently supports sixteen graduate students engaged in a wide array of research projects, utilising both our extensive collections and new samples gathered from fieldwork across Africa.
Workshops
Learning Opportunities
We organise workshops and seminars to educate students and the broader community on the vital role of geoscience research. Our newly launched CPD-accredited workshop, 'Diamonds in Depth: Formation, Exploration, Processing, & Sustainability', takes place each year during the week leading up to the Mining Indaba, providing a valuable platform for learning, professional growth, and networking.
Field Studies
Field work
Every year, we conduct fieldwork across southern Africa, exploring both historic and operational diamond mines, as well as key kimberlite localities. These expeditions advance our active research projects and enrich our growing sample collections.
