A Massive 2,492-Carat Diamond Discovered in Botswana: Lucara Diamond Unearths the Second Largest Stone in History

In a remarkable discovery that underscores Botswana’s reputation as a leading diamond producer, Lucara Diamond has unearthed a colossal 2,492-carat diamond at its Karowe Mine. This extraordinary find, revealed on Wednesday, is one of the largest diamonds ever to be excavated, second only to the legendary 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond found in South Africa in 1905.

While Lucara Diamond has yet to disclose the gem quality of this immense stone, its sheer size has already cemented its place in history. The Cullinan Diamond, after being cut and polished, became an integral part of the British crown jewels, raising expectations about the future of this new discovery.

The Karowe Mine has a well-earned reputation for yielding some of the world’s largest diamonds. Among its most notable discoveries are the 1,758-carat Sewelô and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamonds, both of which captured global attention.

On Thursday, Lucara Diamond presented this latest find to Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. The southern African nation, known as the world’s top diamond producer by value, continues to solidify its standing in the global diamond market.

In a related development, Botswana recently proposed a law that would require mining companies to offer a 24% stake in their mines to local investors once a license is granted, unless the government opts to acquire the shareholding itself. This move is seen as a significant step towards ensuring greater local participation in the country’s lucrative diamond industry.