The second-largest diamond ever found, a massive rough stone weighing 2,492 carats, has been unearthed at Botswana’s Karowe mine, owned by the Canadian company Lucara Diamond.
This incredible find is the biggest diamond ever unearthed in Botswana and is only second in size to the fabled 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, which was found in South Africa in 1905.
Situated roughly 500 kilometers to the north of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, the Karowe mine has once again demonstrated its importance in the diamond sector. With such ground-breaking finds, Botswana, a significant global diamond producer that accounts for 20% of the world’s diamond output, continues to establish its position firmly.
The enormous diamond was found by Lucara Diamond using its cutting-edge Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray equipment. This technology has proven essential in locating and protecting valuable diamonds during the mining process thanks in large part to this technology, which has helped to preserve these remarkable stones.
Head of Lucara Diamond William Lamb said, “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond.” However, the corporation withheld detailed information about the gem’s quality and market value.
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The 1,758-carat stone that was found at the Karowe mine in 2019 was also the largest diamond ever found in Botswana. Louis Vuitton, a luxury French company, eventually purchased the stone. Similarly, jeweller Laurence Graff of London paid $53 million in 2017 for a 1,109-carat diamond that came from the same mine.
Efforts to increase local involvement in the profitable diamond industry are highlighted by the government of Botswana’s proposed legislation, which would require mining companies to grant a 24 per cent interest to local businesses upon acquiring a mining license.
The finding of this enormous diamond highlights the continued appeal and financial importance of these exceptional gemstones on a worldwide scale, in addition to bolstering Botswana’s leadership in diamond mining.
