A 2,492-carat diamond, possibly the second-largest ever found, was unearthed in Botswana’s Karowe mine by Lucara Diamond Corp. Utilizing advanced technology, this discovery is the most significant since the Cullinan Diamond. Lucara has a history of finding top diamonds and will present this gem to Botswana’s President. The discovery may influence local mining investments moving forward.
A significant discovery has occurred in Botswana where a 2,492-carat rough diamond, potentially the second largest ever found, was unearthed by Lucara Diamond Corp. This remarkable gem is the largest found since the Cullinan Diamond, which weighed 3,106 carats when discovered in 1905. Lucara announced this exceptional find as a substantial milestone in diamond mining.
The diamond was located in the Karowe mine, utilizing advanced Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology. This technology is designed specifically to identify and preserve large, high-value diamonds. Lucara’s president and CEO, William Lamb, expressed excitement over the recovery, stating the company is “ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492 carat diamond.”
Diamonds are classified based on quality, with categories including gem-quality, near-gem, or industrial-quality, influenced by characteristics such as color, clarity, size, and shape. Previously, the Lesedi La Rona diamond, which weighed 1,109 carats, held the title of the second largest diamond discovered in 2015 at the same mine.
With this new find, Lucara confirmed it has discovered six of the top ten largest diamonds to date. Currently, the newly found diamond will undergo further evaluation in the coming weeks, adding to the anticipation surrounding its future. The diamond will be officially presented to President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana in due course.
Botswana is recognized as the world’s leading diamond producer by value, and recent proposals suggest that mining companies will be required to offer a 24% stake in their operations to local investors, should the government opt not to acquire this share. The Cullinan Diamond, which remains the largest ever found, was cut into several stones, with some becoming part of the British royal family’s crown jewels.
The recent discovery of a 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana marks a significant milestone in diamond mining, being potentially the second largest ever found. Utilizing advanced technology, Lucara Diamond Corp has successfully located a remarkable gem that surpasses the previously largest finds since the Cullinan. As Botswana pushes for local investment in mining, the future of this diamond and its economic implications remain paramount.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
