A 2,492-carat diamond has been discovered in Botswana by Lucara Diamond Corp., believed to be the second-largest ever found. This diamond surpasses previous notable finds since the Cullinan Diamond in 1905 and is a testament to Lucara’s advanced mining technologies. It has implications for local investment opportunities in Botswana’s diamond industry.
A monumental 2,492-carat diamond, speculated to be the second largest ever discovered, has been excavated in Botswana by the Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. This remarkable find is the largest unveiled since the historic 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond was unearthed in South Africa in 1905. The diamond was located in Lucara’s Karowe mine and is being hailed as one of the most significant rough diamonds ever recovered, reflecting the company’s innovative extraction technologies.
Lucara has attributed the successful recovery of this stunning gem to their Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology, engineered to detect and safeguard large, valuable diamonds. Lucara’s President and CEO, William Lamb, expressed their excitement over this exceptional discovery, calling the diamond “extraordinary.” Rough diamonds are classified based on quality, encompassing gem-quality, near-gem, or industrial-grade categories determined by their characteristics.
Prior to this monumental find, the second largest recorded diamond was the Lesedi La Rona, weighing 1,109 carats, which Lucara unearthed in 2015 at the same mine and later sold to luxury jeweler Graff for $53 million. A representative from Lucara indicated that the company has recovered six of the top ten largest diamonds ever found, showcasing their mining efficacy.
The diamond is scheduled for a formal presentation to Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Additionally, Botswana, renowned as the leading diamond producer by value, has suggested legislation mandating that mining firms sell a 24% stake in their operations to local investors upon receiving their licenses, unless the government opts to purchase the stake.
In summary, the discovery of a massive 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana marks a significant milestone in diamond mining, as it is believed to be the second largest ever found. Lucara Diamond Corp.’s advanced technology played a crucial role in this remarkable recovery, contributing to their reputation for significant diamond finds. With the potential for substantial economic impact and the introduction of new legislation regarding local investment, this discovery may also shape the future of diamond mining in Botswana.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
