Botswana's Groundbreaking Diamond Discovery Shakes History

A massive 2,492-carat diamond has just been discovered, marking it as the second-largest ever found and the largest in over a century.

2,492 Carat Diamond

Lucara Diamond Corp. recently made an awe-inspiring discovery at its Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana, unearthing a colossal 2,492-carat diamond, one of the largest rough stones ever found. This remarkable gem showcases the extraordinary capabilities of nature, and for Botswana—a nation where diamonds play a pivotal role in the economy this discovery serves as a beacon of the country's promising future.

This find has sparked comparisons to the legendary Cullinan diamond, the largest ever discovered, weighing 3,106 carats when it was unearthed in 1905 in South Africa. The Cullinan was later cut into multiple gems, with some now part of the British Crown Jewels. The 2,492-carat gem from Karowe now holds the title of the second-largest diamond ever found, and the biggest in 120 years.

The discovery was made possible by Lucara's advanced X-ray technology, which was implemented in 2017 to help identify and recover large, high-value diamonds without damaging them. This innovation has been crucial in preserving such a remarkable stone intact. The Karowe Mine, known for yielding some of the world’s most significant diamonds, has once again proven its potential with this extraordinary find.

For Botswana, where diamonds account for 40% of the nation’s GDP and 90% of its exports, this discovery holds monumental significance. The diamond industry has transformed Botswana from one of the poorest countries in the 1960s into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with the highest GDP per capita on the continent. This discovery not only highlights Botswana’s natural wealth but also serves as a testament to its economic growth, as the diamond industry continues to support vital sectors such as healthcare and education.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi Holding the 2,492 Carat Diamond

The 2,492-carat diamond isn’t just a marvel of size; it symbolises Botswana's journey of prosperity through its diamond resources. Lucara's President and CEO, William Lamb, expressed the company's excitement, stating, "We are thrilled by the recovery of this exceptional 2,492-carat diamond. It demonstrates the remarkable potential of our Karowe Mine and our strategic investment in cutting-edge XRT technology."

This discovery adds to the Karowe Mine’s impressive record of notable finds, including the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond, now owned by Louis Vuitton, and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond, which was sold for $53 million in 2017 and later cut into a series of high-clarity diamonds. The Karowe Mine has cemented its reputation as one of the world’s leading diamond sources, with each find further enhancing its prestigious status.

To commemorate this historic find, Lucara initiated the Legacy National Diamond Naming Competition in November 2024, inviting the people of Botswana to contribute their suggestions. The response was overwhelming, with 39,000 name proposals received, reflecting the nation’s pride and cultural richness. Professor Thapelo Joseph Otlogetswe, a respected linguist from the University of Botswana, led the panel that reviewed the submissions. The winning name, Motswedi—a Setswana word for "a water spring"—was chosen for its symbolism of life and renewal, echoing the diamond’s significance as a vital force for Botswana’s future.

This diamond's journey is only beginning. Will it follow in the footsteps of the Lesedi La Rona, making its way to an exclusive auction? Could it be cut into an exquisite polished diamond, or will it remain unaltered, perhaps displayed in museums to showcase the raw power of nature? While its future remains uncertain, this diamond's discovery has undoubtedly reshaped the story of diamonds and reaffirmed Botswana’s pivotal role in the global diamond industry.