The discovery of a rough 2,492-carat diamond at a mine in Botswana marks a historic moment, as it stands as the second-largest diamond ever found globally. This remarkable find outshines the previous record holder from Botswana, a 1,758-carat stone discovered in 2019, and is the largest since the legendary 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond unearthed in South Africa in 1905.
Located approximately 500 kilometers north of Gaborone, Botswana’s capital, the diamond was uncovered at the Karowe mine, renowned for its high-quality diamond production. This latest discovery has been officially recognized by Botswana’s government as the largest diamond ever discovered within its borders.
Botswana is a key player in the global diamond industry, contributing roughly 20% of the world’s total production. The findings at the Karowe mine have put the nation in the spotlight once again, highlighting its significant role in the mining sector.
In an enthusiastic statement, company representatives noted the diamond’s extraordinary size, elevating it as one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed. However, details regarding the gem’s quality and potential market value remain undisclosed.
The diamond’s detection was made possible through advanced technology that has been employed since 2017 to identify and safeguard valuable diamonds during ore-crushing processes. The Karowe mine is entirely owned by the exploring firm, which is dedicated to maximizing the potential of this significant resource.
Moreover, Botswana’s government has recently proposed new legislation that would require mining companies to offer a 24% stake to local firms, further emphasizing the nation’s commitment to equitable resource distribution and economic empowerment following mineral exploration.
