A massive 2,492-carat rough diamond, the second-largest ever discovered, has been unearthed in Botswana at the Karowe mine, operated by Canadian company Lucara Diamond. This find is only surpassed by the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905, which was cut into stones now part of the British Crown Jewels.
Located 500km (300 miles) north of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, the Karowe mine has previously yielded other large finds, including a 1,758-carat diamond in 2019. Botswana, one of the world’s leading diamond producers, accounts for approximately 20% of global production.
Lucara Diamond described the stone as one of the largest rough diamonds ever found, though the gem quality and value have not yet been disclosed. The discovery was made using the company’s Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, designed to preserve valuable stones during the mining process.
Botswana’s government, which has been discussing new mining regulations, recently proposed a law requiring companies with mining licenses to sell a 24% stake to local firms unless the government itself chooses to become a shareholder.
