A monumental discovery has been made in Botswana, where a rough 2,492-carat diamond has been unearthed at the Karowe mine, operated by Canadian firm Lucara Diamond. This remarkable find is the second-largest diamond ever discovered, only surpassed by the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, found in South Africa in 1905, parts of which now adorn the British Crown Jewels.
Details of the Discovery:
- Location: Karowe mine, approximately 500km (300 miles) north of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone.
- Significance: It is the largest diamond ever found in Botswana and one of the biggest rough diamonds globally.
- Technology Used: The diamond was detected using Lucara’s Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, which has been in use since 2017. This technology helps identify and preserve high-value diamonds during ore-crushing processes, preventing damage to these rare stones.
Botswana’s Diamond Legacy:
Botswana is a major player in the global diamond market, contributing about 20% of worldwide production. The country has a history of unearthing large diamonds, with the previous record being a 1,758-carat stone found at the same Karowe mine in 2019. Another notable discovery at the mine was a 1,109-carat diamond found in 2016, which was later sold for $53 million to London jeweller Laurence Graff.
Lucara Diamond’s Response:
William Lamb, head of Lucara Diamond, expressed his excitement over the discovery, stating, “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond.” The company has yet to provide details regarding the stone’s gem quality or estimated value. However, sources close to Lucara suggest that the diamond could be worth upwards of $40 million (£30.6 million).
Botswana’s Mining Legislation:
Botswana’s government is taking steps to ensure local involvement in the diamond industry. A proposed law would require companies, once granted a mining license, to sell a 24% stake to local firms if the government does not choose to become a shareholder itself. This move is part of the country’s broader strategy to maximize the benefits of its natural resources for the local economy.
The discovery of this colossal diamond not only reinforces Botswana’s position as a leading diamond producer but also highlights the potential for further significant finds in the region.
