A stunning 2,492-carat diamond has recently been unearthed in Botswana, capturing global attention as it is believed to be the second-largest rough diamond ever discovered. This remarkable find, announced by Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp., marks a significant moment in the world of gemology and luxury.
The diamond was found intact at Lucara's Karowe mine, a site renowned for its high-quality diamond discoveries. This latest gem is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses the previous record for the largest diamond found since the legendary 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond was unearthed in South Africa in 1905. Lucara celebrated this discovery, calling it "exceptional" and a testament to their advanced mining techniques.
Utilizing state-of-the-art Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray Transmission technology, Lucara was able to detect and recover this massive stone efficiently. This innovative technology is designed specifically to identify and preserve large, high-value diamonds, ensuring that such extraordinary finds are not lost during the mining process. William Lamb, the president and CEO of Lucara, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond."
Rough diamonds are categorized based on their quality, which includes gem-quality, near-gem, and industrial-quality classifications. The evaluation process for this newly discovered diamond will take place over the coming weeks, determining its ultimate quality and potential value. Prior to this discovery, the second-largest diamond was the Lesedi La Rona, a 1,109-carat stone also found at the Karowe mine in 2015, which sold for an impressive $53 million.
Lucara has established itself as a leader in diamond discoveries, having recovered six of the top ten largest diamonds ever found. The company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in diamond mining has positioned it as a key player in the luxury market. The diamond is set to be presented to Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi, further underscoring the significance of this discovery for the nation.
Botswana, recognized as the world’s largest diamond producer by value, is currently in the process of implementing new regulations that would require mining companies to sell a 24% stake in their operations to local investors. This initiative aims to enhance local involvement in the diamond industry and ensure that the wealth generated from these resources benefits the citizens of Botswana.
The historic Cullinan Diamond, discovered in 1905, was later cut into smaller stones, some of which are now part of the British royal family’s crown jewels. The legacy of such monumental discoveries continues with the recent unearthing of the 2,492-carat diamond, promising to add another chapter to the rich history of diamonds in Botswana and the world.
