World’s Second-Largest Diamond Discovered at Karowe Mine in Botswana

A remarkable discovery has been made in Botswana, where Lucara Diamond Corp., a Canadian diamond mining company, has discovered the world’s second-largest diamond. This extraordinary gem, weighing 1,111-carats, was found at the Karowe Mine, situated in the heart of the Southern African nation. The discovery has generated excitement worldwide, drawing comparisons to the legendary Cullinan Diamond—the largest diamond ever discovered—discovered in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan Diamond, weighing an astonishing 3,106-carats in its unrefined state, was later cut into over 100 stones, with the largest pieces becoming part of the English Crown Jewels. Now, nearly 120 years later, this new gem is poised to rival the Cullinan Diamond’s legacy.

The discovery was made by Lucara Diamond Corp., a Canadian mining company operating in Botswana, a country renowned for its diamond production. The gem, uncovered at the Karowe Mine located in central Botswana, weighs an incredible 1, 111-carats, making it the second-largest diamond found since the discovery of the Cullinan.

The news of this monumental find was revealed to the world by Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi on August 23, 2024. Although the diamond has not yet been named or valued, its significance is already clear.

Botswana is not only the second-largest producer of diamonds globally, but it has also become synonymous with the discovery of extraordinary gems. The Karowe Mine, where the 1,111-carat diamond was found, has been a prolific source of high-quality diamonds. This latest find is the largest in Botswana’s history and the most significant in the diamond industry in over a century and further cements Botswana's reputation as a key player in the global diamond industry.

A New Chapter in Diamond History

The discovery of the 1,111-carat diamond marks a new chapter in the history of diamond mining and solidifies Botswana’s reputation as a leader in the industry. William Lamb, CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp., emphasized the significance of the find, stating, "The recovery of a gem-quality stone larger than 1,000 carats, the largest for more than a century, cannot be overstated."

The gem’s potential value remains to be determined, but experts anticipate that it could be one of the most expensive diamonds ever found. In recent years, diamonds of exceptional quality have fetched staggering prices at auction, with a flawless 100-carat diamond selling for $22.1 million (approximately R416 million) at Sotheby’s in New York in 2015.

The Science Behind the Discovery

Southern and Central Africa are renowned for producing some of the world’s most exceptional diamonds, such as the Excelsior and Golden Jubilee diamonds from South Africa. The region’s unique geological conditions, particularly the collision of tectonic plates, create the perfect environment for diamond formation. Deep within the Earth’s mantle, high temperatures and immense pressure cause carbon to crystallize into diamonds.

These diamonds are then brought to the surface through carrot-shaped volcanic structures known as kimberlite pipes. Kimberlite pipes serve as natural conduits, bringing diamond-bearing rocks to the Earth’s surface during volcanic eruptions. However, only about 1% of kimberlite deposits contain diamonds of gem quality, making discoveries like the one in Botswana exceedingly rare.

The discovery of this massive diamond was made possible by cutting-edge technology. Modern mining companies employ advanced methods, such as X-ray scanning, to detect diamonds within the ore. These technologies allow for the identification and extraction of diamonds without causing damage to the precious stones. Grinding mechanisms are also used to carefully remove the diamonds from the surrounding rock, preserving their integrity and size.

Botswana’s Diamond Legacy

Botswana’s diamond industry has been a cornerstone of the country’s economy, transforming it into a middle-income nation. The trade has provided significant revenue and development opportunities, making Botswana a global leader in diamond production. The discovery of the world’s second-largest diamond further cements this legacy and highlights the nation’s continued importance in the global diamond market.

As the diamond undergoes evaluation and eventual sale, the world watches with anticipation. Whether it becomes part of a royal collection or a private treasure, this extraordinary gem will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most significant finds in the history of diamonds.

The newly discovered diamond from Botswana is not only a marvel of nature but also a testament to human ingenuity in uncovering the hidden wonders of our planet. As the world awaits further details about this extraordinary gem, it is clear that it will hold a prominent place in the annals of diamond history.