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A groundbreaking discovery has rocked the diamond world as a massive 2,492-carat diamond has been unearthed in Botswana. This extraordinary find, the second-largest diamond ever discovered, has surpassed the country’s previous record of a 1,758-carat stone.
The precious gem was unearthed at the Karowe mine, operated by Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond. This significant discovery has placed Botswana firmly on the map as one of the world’s leading diamond producers, accounting for approximately 20% of global production.
Lucara Diamond, thrilled by the discovery, described the 2,492-carat stone as “one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed.” William Lamb, the company’s head, expressed immense excitement and anticipation for the gem’s potential value.
The diamond was detected using advanced technology developed by Lucara, known as Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology. This innovative system has been instrumental in preserving high-value diamonds from damage during the ore-crushing process.
While the exact gem quality and value of the diamond remain undisclosed, industry experts estimate that it could be worth upwards of $40 million. This staggering figure underscores the immense potential of the discovery and its impact on the global diamond market.
The previous record-breaking diamond found in Botswana, a 1,758-carat stone, was acquired by the renowned French fashion brand Louis Vuitton for an undisclosed sum. Similarly, a 1,109-carat diamond unearthed at the Karowe mine in 2016 was purchased by London jeweler Laurence Graff for a substantial $53 million.
Botswana’s government has taken a significant step to ensure local participation in the mining industry. The government has proposed a law requiring companies to sell a 24% stake to local firms if they do not exercise their option to become shareholders. This move aims to promote economic empowerment and benefits for the people of Botswana.
The discovery of this extraordinary diamond marks a historic milestone for Botswana and the diamond industry. As the gem undergoes further analysis and evaluation, the world eagerly awaits to see the full extent of its beauty, value, and potential impact on the global market.
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