LETLHAKANE, Botswana. A momentous discovery has been made in Botswana’s Karowe mine, where a colossal 2,492-carat diamond was recently unearthed. This extraordinary find, announced on Wednesday by Lucara Diamond, a Canadian mining company, marks the second-largest diamond ever discovered globally and the largest in Botswana’s history.
The diamond, hailed as “exceptional” and “high-quality” by Lucara, was uncovered using the company’s advanced Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, a method that has been in use since 2017. William Lamb, President and CEO of Lucara Diamond, expressed the company’s elation over the discovery, describing the stone as “extraordinary” and a testament to the unparalleled wealth found in Botswana’s soil.
The Botswanan government, equally thrilled by the find, referred to the diamond as “precious.” President Mokgweetsi Masisi is set to preside over a special viewing ceremony for the gemstone, underscoring the national significance of this discovery.
This diamond now holds the title of the largest ever recovered in Botswana, surpassing previous records held by gems from the same mine. The Karowe mine has been the source of several of the world’s largest diamonds, including the 1,758-carat Sewelo diamond, discovered in 2019, and the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond, found in 2015.
The newly discovered diamond is second only to the legendary 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, which was unearthed in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan diamond was famously divided into several gems, some of which are part of the British Crown Jewels. The largest of these, Cullinan I, known as the “Great Star of Africa,” was mounted on the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross and played a prominent role in the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.
The Cullinan diamonds, though cherished by the British monarchy, have been the subject of controversy, with calls from South Africa for their return, highlighting the complex history of these treasured stones.
Lucara Diamond’s recent find in Botswana further cements the country’s position as a global leader in diamond production. As William Lamb emphasized, this discovery symbolizes Botswana’s “continued ascent” in the diamond industry, showcasing the immense natural wealth of the region.
In recent developments, Botswana has proposed new legislation that would require mining companies to sell a 24% stake in mines to local investors, a move aimed at ensuring that the benefits of these resources are shared more broadly within the country.
This historic diamond, alongside others discovered at Karowe, stands as a testament to Southern Africa’s pivotal role in the global diamond industry, a legacy that continues to grow with each remarkable find.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
