Diamonds were discovered in South Africa by independent miners in which year?

• A. 1869
• B. 1760
• C. 1886
• D. 1900

Answer: (A)

The key moment being tested is the start of widespread diamond mining in South Africa triggered by independent prospectors. Although a discovery near the Orange River area was noted a couple of years earlier, the event that truly launched the diamond rush and the era of independent mining in the Kimberley region happened in 1869. That year marks the point when many independent miners flocked to the area, turning scattered finds into a rush and laying the groundwork for large-scale mining operations.

The other dates don’t fit this turning point. 1760 is far before diamonds were known to exist in that region; 1886 and 1900 occur after the initial rush and the rise of major mining activities, so they don’t represent the moment when independent miners first discovered diamonds.