Plizio Visual Lab
Kolo Mine
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
mine
Kolo Mine, in the Mafeteng District, is a smaller diamond mine in Lesotho. It started operations in 2017 and focuses on open-pit mining. The mine extracts diamonds from an alluvial deposit. Annual production is about 10,000 carats. Kolo is economically important for the local community, creating jobs and contracts for local businesses. The diamonds are of medium to high quality. The mine is operated by Kolo Mining Company. Its smaller size allows flexibility in adapting to market shifts. Kolo contributes to regional economic development and is supported by the government as a development project. The deposit is geologically younger than kimberlite pipes and requires specialized extraction methods.
- Location: Lesotho
- Nearby: Tsakholo (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 20 | 18 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 102 | 92 | 74 | 63 | 22 | 21 | 8 | 22 | 19 | 61 | 84 | 103 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Kolo Mine is a smaller-scale diamond extraction project situated in the Lesotho lowlands. It plays a specialized role in diversifying the country's prominent mineral sector beyond the high-altitude sites.
Visiting
Like most active mining operations, direct tourist access to the working areas is strictly prohibited for safety and security reasons. Visitors should expect restricted perimeters and heavy machinery movement.
Where to view it
While the facility itself is closed to the public, the broader lowland landscape around the site gives scenic viewpoints. You can observe the general scale of the industrial footprint from nearby public access roads.
Local products
Rough diamonds extracted here are exclusively for global export markets and not sold locally to travelers. However, visiting the nearby towns allows you to support small-scale local businesses and artisans.
Active season
Mining activities typically proceed year-round without a specific tourist season, though the dry winter months provide better road conditions. Traffic around the facility peaks during standard daytime shift changes.
Nearby
A trip near this lowland industrial site can be easily paired with exploring the lively capital city of Maseru. Travelers can also venture towards the nearby historical and cultural landmarks in the western region.
Geography
Facts
- Annual production of about 10,000 carats.
- Mine started operations in 2017.
- Alluvial deposit covering 8 hectares.
- Mine employs 120 workers.
- Average diamond grade: 1.5 carats per ton.
- Estimated mine life: 10 years.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Kolo Mine located?
It is located in the Mafeteng district, in the southwestern part of Lesotho.
What is mined at the Kolo Mine?
The mine focuses on the exploration and extraction of diamonds from kimberlite deposits.
Is the mine currently active?
Its status can vary; often exploration phases or small-scale mining take place there.
How does the mine affect the local community?
It provides jobs and promotes infrastructure development in the Mafeteng region.
Can you visit the mine as a tourist?
No, there are no public tours; the site is closed for security reasons.
Kolo Mine: where is it located?
Kolo Mine is located in Lesotho.
Kolo Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Kolo Mine: why is it worth visiting?
Kolo Mine, in the Mafeteng District, is a smaller diamond mine in Lesotho.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Lesotho →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Mafeteng Residency
The old Mafeteng Residency is a historic 19th-century British administrative building.
Mafeteng Court House
The historic court house in Mafeteng is a classic example of colonial administrative architecture.
Van Rooyen's Gate
An essential border crossing in western Lesotho facilitating trade with the Free State province of South Africa.
🗺️
Qhomane Hill
Qhomane Hill served as a strategic mountain fortress during the 19th-century Basotho border wars.
Morija Printing Works
The printing works in Morija is the oldest in Lesotho and one of the oldest in southern Africa.
Paris Evangelical Mission
The Paris Evangelical Missionary Society played the decisive role in early Lesotho's history and diplomacy.
🗺️
Sepapu's Gate
A border crossing in southern Lesotho supporting local commerce and the exchange of goods between regional communities.
Siloe Hill
Siloe Hill is a historic center of the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society in southwestern Lesotho.
Nature
More places
🗺️
Borata Industrial
An emerging economic zone in the south supporting small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector.
St. Patrick's Mission
St.
🗺️
Ha Rambanta Solar
A pioneering renewable energy project utilizing solar power to improve electricity access in rural areas.
St Gerard Mission
St Gerard Mission in Mafeteng is a historic center for religious and social services in the south.
St Gerard Cathedral
The St Gerard Cathedral in Mafeteng is an imposing testament to Catholic architecture in southern Lesotho.
Gun War Memorial
This memorial commemorates the Gun War of 1880, where the Basotho successfully resisted British disarmament.
🗺️
Thabana Morena
Thabana Morena is a distinctive table mountain in the Mafeteng District.
🗺️
Hermon Ruins
The Hermon ruins mark the site of an early Christian mission station from the mid-19th century.