X-Ray Technology Leads to Monumental Discovery

A stunning 2,492-carat diamond, now recognized as the second largest in the world, has been unearthed in Botswana. This remarkable find was made at the Karowe Diamond Mine, located in the northeastern region of the country. The discovery was facilitated by advanced X-ray technology, according to Lucara Diamond Corp, the Canadian mining company responsible for the excavation.

Historic Discovery in Karowe Diamond Mine

Lucara Diamond Corp announced the discovery of the massive diamond in a statement released on Thursday. Although the company did not provide specific details regarding the quality or estimated value of the diamond, its size alone places it as the second largest ever found, following only the 3,016-carat Cullinan Diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905.

A Stone of Extraordinary Size

Lucara’s President, William Lamb, expressed his excitement over the find, stating, “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond.” The company shared images of the diamond, showcasing its impressive size—roughly equivalent to the palm of a hand.

Advanced Technology Behind the Find

The discovery was made possible through the use of Lucara’s Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, installed in 2017. This technology is specifically designed to detect and preserve large, high-value diamonds during the mining process. The 2,492-carat stone is now one of the largest rough diamonds ever uncovered.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, was presented with the diamond on Thursday, with his government confirming it as the second largest in the world. Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, Europe’s largest online diamond jeweler, acknowledged the significance of the find. He highlighted that the use of modern technology was crucial in preventing the diamond from breaking during extraction, suggesting that more large diamonds may be discovered in the future.

Botswana: A Global Leader in Diamond Production

Botswana, one of the world’s leading diamond producers, relies heavily on the diamond industry, which contributes to 30 percent of its gross domestic product and 80 percent of its exports. The discovery of this monumental diamond comes just a month after the country proposed a new law requiring mining companies to offer a 24-percent stake in mines to local investors unless the government opts to acquire the shareholding.

Previous Record Holder

Before this latest discovery, the largest diamond found in Botswana was the 1,758-carat Sewelo diamond, also unearthed at the Karowe mine by Lucara in 2019. The Sewelo diamond was a significant find in its own right, but the new 2,492-carat stone now takes the spotlight as a historic and valuable gem.