In a historic discovery, a 2,492-carat diamond has been unearthed at Botswana’s Karowe Mine, the largest diamond found in more than a century. This massive gem, which is the second-largest diamond ever discovered, has sent shockwaves through the global diamond industry. The Botswana government showcased the diamond in an emotional ceremony at the office of President Mokgweetsi Masisi. At the ceremony, the president held the remarkable stone, weighing approximately half a kilogram, and expressed his amazement, calling it an incredible moment in the country’s history. According to AP News, this discovery further solidifies Botswana’s position as a major player in the diamond industry.
Botswana has already established itself as a significant player in the diamond industry, and this latest find further cements its position as a leading producer of high-quality diamonds. The discovery is particularly noteworthy, as the diamond’s size dwarfs typical findings and sets a new benchmark in the mining world.
A Monumental Discovery
The 2,492-carat diamond was discovered Lucara Diamond Corp.’s Karowe Mine in Botswana. The mine, known for producing some of the world’s most valuable diamonds, revealed the gem using state-of-the-art X-ray technology designed to locate high-value stones. The discovery comes just a few years after the Sewelo diamond, found at the same mine in 2019, which weighed 1,758 carats and was sold to Louis Vuitton.
Lucara, the Canadian mining company behind the discovery, expressed immense pride in this extraordinary find. “This is history in the making,” said Naseem Lahri, the Botswana managing director for Lucara Diamond Corp. “I am very proud. It is a product of Botswana.” The find has not only attracted global attention but also highlights the country’s wealth in natural resources. President Masisi of Botswana shared the excitement, praising the discovery as a symbol of national pride.
The Value and Significance of the Find
While the diamond is yet to be appraised for its monetary value, the find is already being hailed as one of the most important in the history of the diamond industry. The 2,492-carat diamond is the largest diamond discovered since the Cullinan diamond, found in South Africa in 1905, which weighed 3,106 carats. The Cullinan diamond was later cut into gemstones, with some forming part of the British Crown Jewels. This latest discovery, however, has potential implications for the entire industry, as it could lead to new standards for gem cutting and auctioning.
“We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond,” said William Lamb, President and CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp. “This recovery highlights the exceptional capabilities of the Karowe Mine and our team’s expertise in locating and extracting such rare gems.” Lucara has long been recognized for its commitment to technology and innovation, which played a key role in uncovering the world-class diamond. The company’s use of XRT technology to locate the gem is a critical advancement in diamond mining, maximizing the recovery of high-quality stones and allowing for precision in extraction.
Botswana’s Role in the Global Diamond Market
Botswana is a leader in the global diamond market, ranking as the second-largest producer of natural diamonds in the world, just behind Russia. The country has earned global recognition for its commitment to maintaining a stable and ethical diamond industry, with profits largely benefiting its economy and social development. In recent years, the Karowe Mine has produced some of the largest diamonds on record, with several stones weighing more than 1,000 carats.
In addition to its mining success, Botswana is renowned for its diamond trading transparency and for investing revenues into the country’s development, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This latest discovery will likely contribute further to the national economy, increasing Botswana’s prominence as a key player in the global diamond market.