Photo Credit:Seth Wenig/AP
A stunning discovery has been made in Botswana—a massive 2,492-carat diamond, the second-largest ever found, has been unearthed at the Karowe mine, operated by Canadian firm Lucara Diamond. This incredible find is the largest diamond discovered in Botswana, surpassing a 1,758-carat stone found at the same mine in 2019.
This extraordinary stone is the biggest find since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, which was discovered in South Africa in 1905. Many pieces from the Cullinan diamond were cut and integrated into the British Crown Jewels, adding to its historical significance.
Lucara’s CEO, William Lamb, expressed the company's excitement, stating, "We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond." The diamond was detected using Lucara’s advanced Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, which has been in use since 2017. This innovative technology helps preserve valuable diamonds during the mining process, ensuring that they remain intact and undamaged.
While the company has not yet released specific details regarding the stone's gem quality or value, experts estimate that it could be worth upwards of $40 million. The discovery further cements Botswana's position as one of the world's leading diamond producers, accounting for approximately 20% of global diamond production.
The Karowe mine, where the diamond was found, is wholly owned by Lucara, and the discovery continues to elevate Botswana's prominence in the diamond industry. The previous record-breaking diamond from Karowe, a 1,109-carat stone, was sold to London jeweler Laurence Graff for $53 million in 2017, highlighting the mine’s consistent ability to produce high-value gems.
Botswana’s government is also taking steps to ensure that the country benefits from these discoveries. A new law has been proposed that would require mining companies to sell a 24% stake to local firms if the government does not exercise its option of becoming a shareholder. This move aims to ensure that the wealth generated by the country’s natural resources benefits its citizens.
