Lucara Diamond Corp. recovered a 2.492-carat diamond from its Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana, the company announced Wednesday.
The company uncovered the unusual gem, one of the biggest rough diamonds ever discovered, using its superior Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology, first tested in 2017, according to the news release.
The diamond was discovered while processing EM/PK(S) kimberlite, the principal type of ore produced in Lucara’s underground mining operations.
The finding raises the Karowe mine’s stature to world-class, according to the company, and exemplifies Lucara’s strategic emphasis on using cutting-edge technology to extract massive, high-value diamonds.
This latest discovery follows past notable finds from Karowe, including the 1,758-carat Sewelô and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona.
William Lamb, President and CEO of Lucara, said the recovery of such a large, intact diamond not only demonstrates the Karowe Mine’s potential but also confirms the company’s investment in modern XRT technology.
It also underscoresg the effectiveness of the company’s diamond recovery strategy and its commitment to delivering value to shareholders and stakeholders, according to the release.
Botswana’s diamond industry, including the Karowe Mine, plays a crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development, supporting key sectors like education and healthcare.
The release asserts that the discovery further “cements Botswana’s position as a global leader in diamond production,” reflecting the nation’s progress in “utilizing its natural resources for the benefit of its citizens.”
The news release was reviewed and approved by Dr. Lauren Freeman, PhD. Pr. Sci. Nat., Vice-President of Mineral Resources at Lucara, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.