World’s second-largest diamond found in Africa

A 2,492-carat diamond, the second-largest diamond ever recorded, has been discovered in Botswana at the Karowe mine, which is operated by Canadian company Lucara Diamond. This discovery is the largest since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond was unearthed in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan diamond was later cut into several stones, many of which now feature in the British Crown Jewels.

It was found approximately 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone. Botswana’s government confirmed that this is the largest diamond ever discovered within the country. The previous record in Botswana was held by a 1,758-carat diamond also found at Karowe mine in 2019.

In a statement, Lucara described the new diamond as “one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed.” William Lamb, the head of Lucara, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond.”

Lucara has not yet disclosed details about the gem’s quality or potential market value. The diamond was identified using Lucara’s Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, which has been in operation since 2017. This system is designed to detect and preserve large, high-value diamonds that could otherwise be damaged during ore processing.

The Karowe mine is fully owned by Lucara. According to recent reports, Botswana’s government is considering a law that would require mining companies to sell a 24% stake to local businesses if the government chooses not to take a shareholder position.

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