Lucara Diamond Unveils World’s Second-Largest Diamond in Botswana

Lucara Diamond has discovered a 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana, the world’s second largest after the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond. The gem was located at the Karowe Diamond Mine using innovative X-ray technology. While its value remains undisclosed, estimates suggest it could exceed USD 40 million. This noteworthy find reaffirms Botswana’s prominence in global diamond production.

The Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana, operated by the Canadian firm Lucara Diamond, has yielded the world’s second-largest diamond, weighing an impressive 2,492 carats. This noteworthy find is surpassed only by the historic 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, which was unearthed in South Africa in 1905 and subsequently became part of the British Crown Jewels.

Utilizing advanced X-ray technology, specifically Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology introduced in 2017, Lucara Diamond successfully located the high-quality gem. While the company did not disclose the diamond’s market value, sources from the Financial Times estimate it could reach at least USD 40 million.

William Lamb, President and CEO of Lucara, expressed his enthusiasm for this remarkable discovery, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to investing in innovative technology that enhances its operational capabilities at the Karowe mine. He stated that this find “not only showcases the remarkable potential of our Karowe Mine, but also upholds our strategic investment in cutting-edge (X-ray Transmission) technology.”

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi was photographed with the extraordinary diamond in his Gaborone office, highlighting the significance of this discovery. The country has established itself as a leading diamond producer, contributing 20 percent of global output.

Diamond mining serves as a critical economic driver for Botswana, constituting 30 percent of its GDP and 80 percent of total exports. Notably, the Karowe Mine has previously unveiled other significant diamonds, including the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond in 2019 and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond in 2015, showcasing its historical prowess in diamond production.

In summary, Lucara Diamond’s recent discovery of a 2,492-carat diamond at the Karowe Mine in Botswana marks a significant milestone in the diamond industry, underscoring the effectiveness of advanced X-ray technology in diamond recovery. This find not only highlights the mine’s exceptional potential but also strengthens Botswana’s status as a leading diamond producer and a hub of substantial economic contribution through its diamond mining operations.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com