Botswana, a nation renowned for its rich diamond deposits, has once again stunned the world with the unearthing of a colossal diamond. The 2,492-carat stone, recently recovered from the Karowe Mine, is now recognized as the second-largest diamond ever discovered. This extraordinary find is yet another testament to the remarkable treasures hidden beneath Botswana’s soil and the advanced technologies used to reveal them.
On Wednesday, the government of Botswana proudly announced the recovery of this massive diamond from the Karowe Mine, which is operated by the Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. The mine is no stranger to record-breaking discoveries, having previously produced four diamonds exceeding 1,000 carats. However, this latest find, an “exceptional” rough diamond, stands out not just for its size but for its quality. Lucara Diamond Corp. confirmed that the stone was recovered using state-of-the-art X-ray technology, which allowed for its extraction without any damage, preserving its high-quality characteristics.
William Lamb, President and CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp., expressed his excitement over the discovery: “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond,” he stated, highlighting the significance of this find both for the company and the diamond industry at large.
The 2,492-carat diamond is the largest found in more than a century, making it a landmark discovery in the history of diamond mining. It now ranks as the second-largest diamond ever unearthed, following only the legendary Cullinan Diamond, a 3,106-carat gem discovered in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan was eventually cut into several gems, with some becoming part of the British Crown Jewels, underscoring the historical importance of such finds.
Botswana’s diamond industry has long been a cornerstone of its economy, and the discovery of this gem further cements the country’s position as a leading producer of some of the world’s most significant diamonds. The Karowe Mine, in particular, has been at the forefront of these discoveries. In 2019, it produced the 1,758-carat Sewelo diamond, which was sold to French fashion house Louis Vuitton, and in 2015, the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond, which was sold for $53 million.
The newly unearthed 2,492-carat diamond will be presented to the world in a special ceremony at the office of Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, who will have the honor of being one of the first to view it. This presentation not only celebrates the diamond itself but also showcases the technological advancements and mining expertise that have made such discoveries possible.
The discovery of this monumental 2,492-carat diamond at the Karowe Mine is a significant moment for Botswana and the global diamond industry. It highlights the continued relevance and potential of Botswana’s diamond mines in the 21st century and sets a new benchmark for future discoveries. As the world waits to see what becomes of this extraordinary stone, Botswana stands proudly at the forefront of diamond mining innovation and excellence.
