The Kimberlite Research Group
Founded in the wake of the First International Kimberlite Conference at UCT in 1973, the Kimberlite Research Group (KRG) has been at the forefront of deep Earth research for over four decades. Established by Prof. John Gurney, the KRG quickly became a magnet for top postgraduate talent and a hub for international collaboration, drawing leading scientists from around the world.​
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The group’s work—anchored by its unique Mantle Room collections—has produced 22 PhDs, 25 MScs, and over 100 peer-reviewed papers, delivering landmark insights into the evolution of continental keels and the age and origin of diamonds.​
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Today, under the leadership of Phil Janney, Geoff Howarth, and Sara Burness, and with 16 postgraduate students, the KRG continues to combine world-class science with strong industry partnerships, driving discovery from the mantle to the mine.
John J. Gurney (1941–2021) was a pioneering geochemist whose work transformed our understanding of the Earth’s mantle and the origin of diamonds. Born in Liverpool, he moved to Cape Town in 1959, earning his BSc and PhD at the University of Cape Town (UCT) under the mentorship of Prof. Louis Ahrens.
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During a postdoctoral fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution in 1970, John made the groundbreaking link between peridotitic garnet inclusions in diamonds and chromium-rich garnets in harzburgites and kimberlites—an insight that revolutionised diamond exploration.
On returning to UCT, he co-convened the First International Kimberlite Conference (1973), establishing lasting ties between academia and the diamond industry, and founded the Kimberlite Research Group. Over his 50-year career, he authored more than 300 publications, supervised dozens of postgraduate students, and built the world-renowned Mantle Room collection, now named in his honour. His research helped discover diamondiferous kimberlites in Canada, bringing major economic benefits.
John also excelled in business, co-founding Mineral Services Group and leading successful diamond ventures worldwide. Honoured with numerous awards, including the Hugo Dummett Award and the GSSA Draper Medal, he was celebrated for both his scientific brilliance and his generosity as a mentor.
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A gifted storyteller, sportsman, and family man, John Gurney leaves an enduring legacy in science, industry, and the lives of those he inspired.
Pioneering Diamond Research
