Massive 2,492-carat diamond discovered in Botswana mine

A remarkable 2,492-carat diamond was recently discovered at the Karowe mine in Botswana, marking a significant milestone in the diamond mining industry. The stone, which weighs approximately 18 ounces, was unveiled by President Mokgweetsi Masisi during a ceremony, highlighting its importance to the nation. This diamond is the second-largest ever found in a mine, following the historic Cullinan diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905. The diamond was recovered by Lucara Diamond Corp., a Canadian mining company, utilizing advanced X-ray technology specifically designed to locate large diamonds. The company expressed excitement over the find, emphasizing the high quality and intact nature of the stone. Prior to this discovery, the largest diamond unearthed from the same mine was the Sewelo diamond, weighing 1,758 carats, which was found in 2019. Botswana, known for its rich diamond resources, is the second-largest producer of natural diamonds globally, trailing only Russia. The country has gained recognition for unearthing some of the world's most significant diamonds in recent years, contributing to its economic growth and global standing in the diamond market. The government has not yet determined the diamond's value or the method of sale, but previous diamonds from the Karowe mine have fetched record prices. This discovery is seen as a historic moment for Botswana, with officials and industry leaders expressing pride in the nation's ability to produce such exceptional gems. The diamond's recovery is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and further establish Botswana's reputation in the diamond industry.