In a groundbreaking discovery, a massive rough diamond weighing 2,492 carats has been unearthed at the Karowe mine in Botswana, owned by Canadian company Lucara Diamond. This extraordinary find surpasses all previous records, solidifying Botswana’s position as a leading global diamond producer.
The Karowe mine, situated 500 kilometers north of Gaborone, has once again demonstrated its significance in the diamond sector. This remarkable discovery follows previous notable finds, including the 1,758-carat stone unearthed in 2019 and the 1,109-carat diamond sold to jeweler Laurence Graff in 2017.
Lucara Diamond’s cutting-edge Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology played a crucial role in locating and preserving this exceptional gemstone. William Lamb, Head of Lucara Diamond, expressed enthusiasm about the recovery, although details regarding the diamond’s quality and market value remain undisclosed.
This monumental find underscores Botswana’s dominance in the diamond industry, accounting for 20% of global production. The government’s proposed legislation aims to increase local involvement, requiring mining companies to grant a 24% interest to local businesses upon acquiring a mining license.