World's Second-Largest Diamond Unearthed in Botswana

The second-largest diamond ever discovered, a massive 2,492-carat rough stone, has been unearthed in Botswana at the Karowe mine. This remarkable find was made by Canadian firm Lucara Diamond, marking a historic moment for Botswana, one of the world's leading diamond producers.

The discovery of this extraordinary stone is the most significant find since the 1905 discovery of the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond in South Africa, which was later cut into nine stones, many of which now form part of the British Crown Jewels.

Located approximately 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of Gaborone, Botswana's capital, the Karowe mine has produced large diamonds before. The previous largest diamond discovered in Botswana was a 1,758-carat stone found at the same mine in 2019. However, this latest find surpasses that, making it the largest diamond ever uncovered in the southern African country.

Botswana plays a crucial role in the global diamond industry, accounting for roughly 20% of the world's diamond production. The government expressed excitement over this latest discovery, which further strengthens the nation's reputation as a major player in the industry.

Lucara Diamond, which owns 100% of the Karowe mine, has expressed its elation over the find. "We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond," said William Lamb, the head of Lucara. While the company did not provide specific details regarding the stone's gem quality or potential value, its significance is already clear.

The diamond was detected using Lucara's Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, a system implemented in 2017 to ensure high-value diamonds remain intact during the ore-crushing process. This cutting-edge technology has been pivotal in preserving the integrity of significant finds like this one.

In the backdrop of these monumental discoveries, Botswana's government has proposed a new law that would require mining companies to sell a 24% stake to local firms if the government does not exercise its option of becoming a shareholder. This legislation aims to further integrate local interests into the country's booming diamond industry, ensuring that the wealth generated from such discoveries benefits Botswana's economy.

This discovery reaffirms Botswana's position as a leader in the global diamond market, enhancing the country's legacy of producing some of the largest and most valuable diamonds in history.