A Canadian company, Lucara Diamond, has uncovered the world’s second-largest diamond, weighing 2,492 carats, in Botswana’s Karowe mine. This find surpasses all previous records in Botswana and is the largest since the Cullinan diamond was discovered in 1905.
A remarkable geological discovery has been made in Botswana, where a Canadian company, Lucara Diamond, unearthed the world’s second-largest diamond. Weighing an extraordinary 2,492 carats, this rough diamond surpasses all other finds in Botswana’s history and marks a significant milestone in the global diamond industry. The gemstone was excavated from the Karowe mine, positioned approximately 500 kilometers (around 300 miles) north of Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. This unearthed stone is the most substantial discovery since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond was found in South Africa in 1905; the latter was famously divided into nine separate diamonds, several of which are housed within the British Crown Jewels. The previous record-holder for Botswana was a 1,758-carat diamond, also sourced from the Karowe mine, which was discovered in 2019. Botswana stands as a preeminent player in the diamond sector, responsible for nearly 20% of the world’s diamond output. William Lamb, the head of Lucara Diamond, expressed enthusiasm regarding this extraordinary find, stating that it is “one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed.” The detection of the diamond was accomplished using the advanced Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology developed by Lucara. This discovery not only underscores Botswana’s prominence in the diamond mining industry but also highlights the continued potential for significant discoveries in the region, promising future explorations and advancements in mining technology.
Botswana is renowned as one of the leading diamond-producing nations in the world, contributing approximately 20% of global diamond production. Its lucrative diamond industry has been a pillar of the country’s economy, fostering economic growth and development. The Karowe mine, in particular, has gained international recognition for its significant discoveries, including the largest diamonds recorded in history. The history of diamond mining in Botswana weaves together the narratives of substantial finds, technological advancements in extraction methods, and their historical significance, exemplified by the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond. This recent find by Lucara marks a resurgence in the attention the diamond sector is attracting, as it holds the potential to elevate Botswana’s status on the global stage even further.
In conclusion, the discovery of the 2,492-carat diamond at the Karowe mine in Botswana represents a significant achievement in the world of gemology and mining. This extraordinary gemstone not only enhances Botswana’s reputation as a top diamond producer but also signals the advancements in mining technology that facilitate such remarkable finds. As the industry evolves, the implications of such discoveries could extend beyond economic benefits, further establishing Botswana as a key player in global diamond production.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
