Canada’s Lucara Diamond Corp has found a 2,492-carat diamond at its Karowe mine in Botswana, one of the largest ever mined, the company said.
Lucara did not disclose the value of the gemstone, but its size makes it the second largest rough diamond ever discovered, after the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond found in neighboring South Africa in 1905. After grinding and polishing it became part of the British crown jewels.
“We are thrilled to find this exceptional 2,492-carat diamond,” said William Lamb, president and CEO of Lucara, in a company statement.
The Karowe mine is known for producing large stones, with other notable finds including the 1,758-carat Sewelô and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamonds. The mine is located in northeastern Botswana, approximately 430 kilometers from the capital Gaborone.
Today, the company will present the diamond to the President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Botswana is the world’s leading producer of diamonds by value.
The southern African state last month proposed legislation that would require mining companies to sell a 24 percent stake in mines to local investors after receiving a license unless the government exercises its option to acquire the stake, Klix.ba writes.
