Botswana Unearths Second-Largest Diamond Ever Discovered
Botswana has hit diamond jackpot, with the discovery of a 2,492-carat diamond at the Karowe Diamond Mine, owned by Canadian company Lucara Diamond. This monumental find, revealed on Wednesday, ranks as the second-largest diamond ever unearthed, trailing only the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond found in South Africa in 1905.
Key Takeaways
- This remarkable 2,492-carat diamond, discovered using X-ray technology, is a testament to the **remarkable potential of the Karowe mine** located in northeastern Botswana.
- The diamond’s discovery underscores the importance of **investing in cutting-edge technology** for exploration and extraction within the mining industry.
- Botswana, already a global diamond powerhouse, further solidifies its position as a key player in the diamond market, accounting for **20% of global production** last year.
- This discovery could **boost economic growth in Botswana**, which significantly relies on diamonds as its main source of revenue, contributing 30% to its GDP and 80% of its exports.
A Diamond Legacy in the Making
The Karowe mine has a history of yielding remarkable discoveries, previously yielding the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond in 2019 and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond in 2015. The Sewelô diamond was acquired by French fashion house Louis Vuitton in 2020 for an undisclosed amount, while the Lesedi La Rona diamond was sold to British multinational jeweler Graff Diamonds in 2017 for $53 million.
These recent discoveries have put Karowe Mine at the forefront of the global diamond industry, attracting attention from around the world. The latest discovery, a colossal 2,492-carat diamond, promises to further solidify this position.
The Economic Impact: A Boon for Botswana
Diamonds are the lifeblood of Botswana’s economy. The recent discovery of this record-breaking gem promises substantial economic injection into the country. Diamond revenue accounts for a substantial portion of Botswana’s GDP and exports, making this discovery a potential catalyst for further economic growth.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who posed for photos holding the diamond at his office in Gaborone, expressed his excitement about the discovery. “This find not only showcases the remarkable potential of our Karowe Mine, but also upholds our strategic investment in cutting-edge [X-ray Transmission] technology,” he stated.
Eyes on the Future: The Potential of the Diamond
The discovery of this monumental diamond has spurred considerable excitement about its future. While the mining company has not yet revealed a value for the gem, experts anticipate it will command a significant price due to its size, quality, and historic significance.
The diamond’s future, whether it will be cut into smaller, more wearable pieces, or preserved in its current form as a collector’s item, remains to be seen. However, it is certain that the impact of this discovery will be felt far beyond Botswana’s borders, captivating the attention of diamond enthusiasts and investors alike.
The discovery of this colossal diamond is not just a significant event for the mining industry but a testament to the enduring allure and value of diamonds. As Botswana continues to explore its vast mineral resources, the world watches with anticipation to see what treasures will surface next.
