A Canadian company, Lucara Diamond, has discovered the world’s second-largest diamond, a 2,492-carat gem, at its Karowe mine in Botswana. This find surpasses the previous record for the largest diamond in Botswana, previously held by a 1,758-carat stone discovered in 2019. The diamond is the most significant since the Cullinan diamond of 1905. Lucara expressed their excitement over this recovery, which was made possible through advanced detection technology.
In a remarkable discovery at the Karowe mine in Botswana, the Canadian company Lucara Diamond has unearthed the world’s second-largest diamond. This rough gem, weighing an astounding 2,492 carats, represents the largest diamond ever found in Botswana’s history. Prior to this significant find, the largest diamond discovered in Botswana was a 1,758-carat stone from the same mine, found in 2019. The new diamond is the most notable discovery since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, which was located in South Africa in 1905 and subsequently cut into a number of stones, some of which are part of the British Crown Jewels. William Lamb, head of Lucara, expressed the company’s excitement regarding this extraordinary find, stating it is “one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed.” The diamond was detected using state-of-the-art Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, marking a significant achievement in diamond mining and recovery techniques. Botswana’s government has also acknowledged this monumental discovery, highlighting the nation’s role as a prominent player in the global diamond industry, which contributes roughly 20% to global diamond production.
Botswana is recognized as one of the leading producers of diamonds globally, with a significant contribution of approximately 20% to the world’s diamond supply. The country’s diamond mining activities are a vital part of its economy, generating substantial revenue and providing employment opportunities. The historical context of diamond discoveries in Botswana underlines its geological richness, particularly with significant finds at the Karowe mine, which has yielded some of the largest and most valuable stones in history. Diamonds have been a cornerstone of Botswana’s development and international presence since the mining industry began to flourish in the late 20th century.
The recent discovery of a 2,492-carat diamond at the Karowe mine by Lucara Diamond marks a historic moment not only for the company but also for Botswana, solidifying its stature in the diamond mining industry. This substantial find is a reminder of Botswana’s rich natural resources and the ongoing advancements in mining technology that allow for the detection and recovery of such monumental gemstones. With the diamond industry accounting for a significant portion of global output, the implications of such discoveries extend beyond economics, potentially impacting Botswana’s global reputation in the gem industry.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
