A Canadian company, Lucara Diamond, discovered a 2,492-carat diamond at the Karowe mine in Botswana, making it the second-largest diamond in history. Utilizing innovative X-ray technology, Lucara aims to capitalize on this high-quality gem, which could be valued over USD 40 million. Botswana continues to assert its dominance in the diamond industry, contributing significantly to the global market.
A remarkable discovery has been made at the Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana, where Lucara Diamond, a Canadian company, unearthed a 2,492-carat diamond. This gem is now recognized as the second-largest diamond globally, following the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, which was found in South Africa in 1905 and is now part of the British Crown Jewels.
The 2,492-carat diamond was located using advanced Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology installed by Lucara in 2017, specifically to identify substantial, high-quality diamonds. Although Lucara has yet to assign a value to this exceptional stone, estimates from unnamed sources suggest it could yield more than USD 40 million.
William Lamb, President and CEO of Lucara, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the discovery, noting its significance for the company’s investment strategy in XRT technology. “This find not only showcases the remarkable potential of our Karowe Mine but also upholds our strategic investment in cutting-edge technology,” he stated.
The discovery took place in a country renowned for its diamond production, contributing 20 percent to global output last year. In Botswana, diamond mining constitutes a critical income source, comprising 30 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 80 percent of total exports. Previously, the Karowe Mine yielded significant finds, such as the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond in 2019 and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond in 2015, highlighting its continued excellence in diamond recovery.
In conclusion, the discovery of the 2,492-carat diamond at Lucara Diamond’s Karowe mine marks a significant milestone in the diamond industry, reflecting both the mine’s potential and the efficacy of X-ray technology in identifying large gems. With Botswana’s position as a leading diamond producer, this find underscores the nation’s ongoing legacy in the global diamond market.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
