A colossal 2,492-carat diamond, the second largest ever unearthed, has been discovered at the Karowe mine in Botswana, owned by Canadian firm Lucara Diamond. This remarkable find surpasses the previous largest diamond discovered in Botswana, a 1,758-carat gem unearthed at the same mine in 2019.
The newly discovered diamond is the largest since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, found in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan diamond was famously cut into nine separate stones, several of which are now part of the British Crown Jewels.
The Botswana government has confirmed that this latest discovery is the largest diamond ever found within its borders. The Karowe mine, located approximately 500km north of the capital, Gaborone, has proven to be a prolific source of exceptional diamonds.
Botswana is a global leader in diamond production, accounting for approximately 20% of the world's output. The country's significant role in the diamond industry is further solidified by this momentous discovery.
Lucara Diamond, the company responsible for the find, has expressed immense enthusiasm about the 2,492-carat gem. âWe are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary diamond,â said William Lamb, CEO of Lucara.
While details regarding the diamond's gem quality and potential value have yet to be disclosed, Lucara has credited its innovative Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology for the successful identification of the stone. This technology, implemented since 2017, plays a crucial role in detecting and preserving high-value diamonds during the ore-crushing process, preventing damage to these precious gems.
The Karowe mine is fully owned by Lucara Diamond. Notably, the Botswana government recently proposed legislation that would require mining companies, after receiving a mining license, to offer a 24% stake to local businesses if the government chooses not to exercise its option of becoming a shareholder. This proposal, as reported by Reuters, aims to further bolster local participation in the country's thriving diamond industry.
The discovery of this extraordinary diamond reaffirms Botswana's position as a leading diamond producer and underscores the potential for even greater discoveries in the future. The world eagerly awaits further details on the gem's characteristics and the potential value it holds.
