In a discovery that has captivated the global diamond industry, Lucara Diamond Corp has announced the discovery of a colossal 2,492-carat rough diamond from its Karowe Mine in Botswana, marking the largest find of its kind in over a century. This extraordinary stone, the largest to be unearthed since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond was discovered in 1905, was recovered using Lucara’s state-of-the-art Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology. This technology, installed in 2017, has revolutionized diamond extraction by allowing larger stones to be recovered intact.
The Karowe Mine, already renowned for its exceptional diamond yields, has now solidified its reputation as one of the world’s premier diamond-producing sites. The latest discovery joins an illustrious list of other remarkable finds from Karowe, including the 1,758-carat Sewelo and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona, both of which have made headlines in recent years.
William Lamb, President and CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp, expressed his excitement about the find, stating, “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond. This find not only showcases the remarkable potential of our Karowe Mine but also upholds our strategic investment in cutting-edge XRT technology. The ability to recover such a massive, high-quality stone intact demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach to diamond recovery and our commitment to maximizing value for our shareholders and stakeholders.” Lamb further emphasized that this discovery reaffirms Karowe’s status as a world-class asset and highlights the continued success of Lucara’s operational and underground development strategy. The diamond, still in its rough form, has the potential to be transformed into a series of stunning jewels, destined to capture the imagination of the world's wealthiest collectors and jewelry connoisseurs.
The significance of this discovery extends beyond its sheer size and value. It also underscores Botswana's remarkable success story in harnessing its natural resources for national development.
President Mokgweetsi Massi holds the diamond at his office in Gablery
Tobias Kormind, Managing Director of 77 Diamonds, Europe’s largest online diamond jeweler, commented on the significance of this historic find: “This 2,492-carat diamond is the most significant discovery in 120 years. The fact that it was recovered intact is a testament to the advancements in technology and mining techniques. Despite economic uncertainty, the world's rarest diamonds continue to hold their value, and this stone has arguably just become the rarest rough diamond in the world today.”Kormind also noted the potential for this diamond to be cut into a series of showstopping jewels, appealing to those with a taste for opulent, dramatic jewelry. This stone has arguably just become the rarest rough diamond in the world today.”
As Botswana continues to ascend as a global leader in diamond production, this discovery is a shining symbol of the country’s unparalleled wealth and the remarkable progress it has made in leveraging its natural resources for the benefit of its citizens. With this latest find, Lucara Diamond Corp has once again demonstrated its prowess in diamond recovery and its commitment to contributing to Botswana’s ongoing development.
In the world of diamonds, this historic discovery is not just a milestone but a testament to the enduring allure and value of these extraordinary gems, even in times of global economic uncertainty.
Comments