A massive 2,492-carat diamond, the second largest in the world, has been discovered in Botswana’s Karowe Diamond Mine by Lucara Diamond Corp. The diamond was found using X-ray technology, making it one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed. Lucara did not disclose the value of the diamond or its quality, but it is second only to the famous 3,016-carat Cullinan Diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905. The company’s President, William Lamb, expressed excitement over the recovery of this extraordinary diamond, which is as large as the palm of a hand.
The discovery of this massive diamond is a significant achievement for Lucara and the diamond industry as a whole. The company used its Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, installed in 2017, to identify and preserve large, high-value diamonds. This new technology has enabled Lucara to extract larger diamonds from the ground without them breaking into pieces, leading to the discovery of this exceptional 2,492-carat diamond. Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi was shown the stone and the government confirmed that it is the second largest diamond in the world, showcasing the country’s importance in the diamond mining industry.
Tobias Kormind, managing director of Europe’s largest online diamond jeweller, 77 Diamonds, highlighted the significance of this find, stating that it is the largest rough diamond to be unearthed since the Cullinan Diamond. He credited newer technology for enabling the extraction of larger diamonds without damaging them, suggesting that more impressive discoveries may follow. Botswana is a major player in the diamond industry, with diamonds being its main source of income. The country accounts for 30 percent of its gross domestic product and 80 percent of its exports, highlighting the importance of the mining sector to its economy.
In response to the discovery, Botswana recently proposed a law that would require mining companies to sell a 24-percent stake in mines to local investors once granted a licence, unless the government chooses to acquire the shareholding. This move aims to increase local ownership and participation in the diamond mining industry, ensuring that the benefits of diamond mining are shared more equitably among Botswana’s population. Prior to this find, the largest diamond discovered in Botswana was a 1,758-carat stone named Sewelo, also mined by Lucara at the Karowe mine in 2019. Lucara previously found a 1,174-carat diamond in Botswana in 2021 using the same X-ray technology, showcasing the effectiveness of their diamond recovery methods.
The discovery of the 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana represents a significant milestone for Lucara Diamond Corp and the diamond industry as a whole. The use of advanced X-ray technology has enabled the company to uncover larger, high-value diamonds, showcasing the potential for more remarkable finds in the future. The size and quality of the diamond will be closely examined, and its value will likely be determined after further evaluation. Botswana’s importance in the diamond industry is underscored by this find, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds. The government’s initiative to increase local ownership in mining operations aims to ensure that the benefits of diamond mining are shared more equitably among its citizens, promoting sustainable development and economic growth in the country.
