A large diamond, weighing a staggering 2,492 carats, has been unearthed in Botswana, marking the most significant find in more than a century. The remarkable discovery was revealed during a ceremony on Thursday, with Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi expressing astonishment as he showcased the gem.
The fist-sized stone was discovered at the Karowe Mine, a site already renowned for producing some of the world’s largest diamonds. President Masisi, visibly thrilled, invited government officials to admire the gem up close. “Diamonds mean everything to us in good times and bad times,” he stated, emphasizing the immense value these resources hold for the country.
The newly unearthed diamond is the second-largest ever discovered globally and the largest since 1905 when the Cullinan Diamond was found in South Africa. Weighing almost half a kilogram, the diamond was presented at the Office of the President in Gaborone, marking a moment of national pride. The Botswana government is yet to determine the stone’s market value or the process by which it will be sold.
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Lucara Diamond Corp., the Canadian mining firm behind the find, expressed its excitement about the unprecedented discovery. Naseem Lahri, Managing Director for Lucara Botswana, highlighted the role of advanced technology in the gem’s recovery. “The reason we could recover this diamond is because of the technology we use, particularly X-ray transmission (XRT),” she explained.
Lucara President and CEO, William Lamb, also expressed his delight in a statement, saying, “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond.” This discovery solidifies Botswana’s position as a leading player in the global diamond industry.
This latest find eclipses other recent significant discoveries from the same mine. Notably, the 1,758-carat Sewelo diamond, uncovered in 2019, was previously ranked as the second-largest mined diamond in the world. The Sewelo was later purchased by French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. Another prominent diamond from the Karowe Mine, the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona, was sold for $53 million in 2017, while the Constellation diamond fetched a record $63 million in 2016.
The Karowe Mine has consistently yielded some of the world’s largest diamonds over the past decade, underscoring its reputation as a source of rare and extraordinary gems. This new 2,492-carat diamond could very well join the ranks of history’s most celebrated stones.
Botswana, a nation of 2.6 million people, is the world’s second-largest producer of natural diamonds after Russia. The diamond industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, contributing significantly to national revenue and development. The discovery of this immense diamond further strengthens Botswana’s legacy as a key player in the global diamond market.
As anticipation builds over the eventual sale and potential cutting of this newly found gem, industry experts are keen to see how it will be valued and what role it will play in Botswana’s ongoing diamond narrative. For now, this remarkable stone stands as a symbol of the enduring allure and significance of diamonds in Botswana and beyond.
