2,492-carat: World’s second-largest diamond discovered in Botswana mine

An extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond has been unearthed from Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana, southern Africa.

This is reportedly the second-biggest diamond ever discovered in a mine. The Karowe mine is located around 300 miles (500 kilometers) north of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone.

It is owned by the Canadian mining company, Lucara Diamond Corp. Interetsingly, the company’s state-of-the-art X-ray technology played a crucial role in detecting and recovering this massive gem.

“We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond. This find not only showcases the remarkable potential of our Karowe Mine, but also upholds our strategic investment in cutting-edge XRT technology,” said William Lamb, President and CEO of Lucara, in the press statement.

“The ability to recover such a massive, high-quality stone intact demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach to diamond recovery and our commitment to maximizing value for our shareholders and stakeholders.”

X-ray detected the diamond

The company’s Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology was used to detect and recover the intact diamond. Installed in 2017, this technology is designed to identify and preserve large, high-value diamonds.

The gem was extracted during the processing of EM/PK(S) kimberlite, which is a specific type of rock that is known for containing diamonds. This mine is rich in EM/PK(S) kimberlite, which is why it’s Lucara’s prime target for diamond mining.

This latest discovery is the latest addition to the impressive list of other significant finds from the mine. In 2019, a 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond was recovered from this mine. Reportedly, it was considered the second-largest diamond ever mined and was purchased by the French fashion house Louis Vuitton for an undisclosed amount.

Another significant find from the mine was the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond, which was sold to a British jeweler for $53 million in 2017.

Lamb added, “This discovery reinforces Karowe’s position as a truly world-class diamond mine and highlights the continued success of our operational and underground development strategy.”

Botswana diamond production

According to the BBC, Botswana is the world’s second-largest diamond producer, accounting for around 20% of total output. In recent years, some of the largest diamonds have been discovered from here.

With a weight of 2,492 carats, this diamond is said to be the second-largest ever extracted from a mine.

This new diamond follows the Cullinan Diamond found in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan, weighing 3,106 carats, was cut into roughly nine gems, including those featured in the British Crown Jewels.

Botswana’s diamond industry has been a driving force behind the country’s economic growth and development. The industry plays a vital role in national development by funding crucial areas like education and healthcare.

“This discovery symbolizes Botswana’s continued ascent as a global leader in diamond production. It represents not only the unparalleled wealth found in Botswana’s soil, but also the remarkable progress the nation has made in developing its diamond industry for the benefit of its citizens,” the press statement concluded.