What is the primary reason for the limited mining of diamond deposits?

The primary reason for the limited mining of diamond deposits is often cited as economic unviability. When assessing diamond deposits, various factors are taken into account, including the costs associated with extraction, market demand for diamonds, and overall profitability. If the potential return on investment does not justify the expenses involved in mining, particularly in areas where the diamonds are either challenging to extract or of a lower quality, operations may not be sustainable.

Economic unviability can stem from several aspects. High extraction costs can be a concern, but they only matter if the potential revenue from the diamonds does not offset those costs. If market prices are low or extraction practices involve high equipment and labor costs without enough yield, mining may not be pursued. Thus, the overarching view of profitability, in light of market conditions and production hurdles, is what primarily drives the decision to limit mining activities.

Other factors such as environmental regulations and existing technology can impact mining endeavors, but they do not solely determine whether or not deposits are mined on a large scale. It's the economic reality that often dictates whether extraction is feasible.