Botswana unearths second-largest diamond in history

In a remarkable discovery, Botswana has unearthed a 2,492-carat diamond, making it the second-largest diamond ever found globally. The massive gem, described as being the size of a fist, was discovered at the Karowe Mine, operated by Canadian company Lucara Diamond Corp.

This discovery is a significant event for Botswana, which is already well-known for its rich diamond reserves. President Mokgweetsi Masisi proudly displayed the gemstone during a ceremony in Gaborone, the nation’s capital, marking a moment of national celebration.

The diamond, weighing nearly 500 grams, is the largest find since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905. It surpasses the previous record-holder for Botswana, a 1,758-carat diamond named “Sewelo,” discovered in 2019 at the same mine. Lucara Diamond Corp has credited the discovery to its advanced “Mega Diamond Recovery X-Ray Transmission” technology, which allows the company to detect large diamonds before extraction, thereby minimizing the risk of breaking them during mining operations.

Lucara has not yet provided an official estimate of the diamond’s value, but industry experts suggest it could be worth upwards of $40 million. The diamond mining sector is a cornerstone of Botswana’s economy, contributing significantly to its export revenues and socio-economic development, including in areas like education and healthcare.

This discovery highlights the continuing potential of Botswana’s diamond mines and the effectiveness of modern technology in enhancing diamond recovery. The find has already created excitement both within Botswana and internationally, as it marks another chapter in the country’s rich history of diamond mining