Lucara Diamond has discovered a 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana, the second-largest in the world. The diamond may exceed USD 40 million in value and was unearthed using advanced X-ray technology at the Karowe Diamond Mine. Diamonds represent a key economic driver for Botswana, accounting for significant portions of GDP and exports. Historical diamond finds from the same location further highlight Botswana’s status in diamond production.
A major discovery has been made in Botswana, where Lucara Diamond, a Canadian company, has unearthed the world’s second-largest diamond weighing 2,492 carats. This follows the largest diamond ever found, the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905, which was later integrated into the British Crown Jewels. Lucara highlighted the gem’s high-quality nature but refrained from disclosing an exact value, though estimates suggest it may reach over USD 40 million.
The diamond was located at the Karowe Diamond Mine, employing Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology aimed at identifying and preserving large diamonds. This advanced technology was introduced in 2017, and its successful application in this finding underscores its significance. William Lamb, Lucara’s President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the recovery, indicating that it affirms the potential of the Karowe Mine and the company’s strategic focus on innovative technologies.
Images reveal Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi showcasing the extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond in his Gaborone office. According to a report by Globaldata, Botswana holds a prominent position in global diamond production, contributing 20 percent to the worldwide market in the previous year. Diamonds represent a crucial revenue source for the nation, accounting for 30 percent of its GDP and 80 percent of its exports.
Botswana has a history of significant diamond finds from the Karowe mine, including the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond in 2019 and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond in 2015. Notably, the Sewelô diamond was acquired by Louis Vuitton in 2020, while the Lesedi La Rona diamond was sold for USD 53 million to Graff Diamonds in 2017. These discoveries highlight Botswana’s continued prominence in the global diamond industry.
The discovery of the 2,492-carat diamond by Lucara Diamond in Botswana marks a significant achievement in the mining sector, showcasing advanced extraction technology. The ongoing success of the Karowe Diamond Mine, along with Botswana’s strong position in global diamond production, emphasizes the economic importance of this precious resource. Such monumental finds contribute substantially to the nation’s GDP and international standing in the gemstone market.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
