Miners in Botswana have made an extraordinary discovery this week, unearthing a massive 2,492-carat diamond weighing about one pound. This remarkable find has captured the attention of the world, with experts hailing it as a historic moment in the diamond industry. The diamond was found at the Karowe mine, located approximately 300 miles north of Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone. This particular mine has been known for producing other large rough diamonds in the past decade, including the famous 813-carat Constellation diamond that fetched a record-breaking $63 million in 2016.
The significance of this recent discovery cannot be understated, as it is almost the largest diamond ever found by miners, second only to the legendary 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905. The Botswana diamond is a testament to the country’s rich diamond mining history and its status as the world’s second-largest producer of diamonds, accounting for approximately 20% of global output.
Diamonds in Botswana are typically found in volcanic structures known as kimberlite pipes, which brought rocks from deep within the Earth’s mantle to the surface during ancient volcanic eruptions. These structures played a crucial role in the formation of diamonds, as the intense heat and pressure deep underground are essential for their creation. Kimberlite pipes are rare, with only about one percent of them containing quality diamonds. The diamonds found at the Karowe mine were formed billions of years ago deep within the Earth’s mantle and were brought to the surface around 90 million years ago during volcanic activity.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana was one of the first individuals to examine the newly discovered diamond up close, describing it as overwhelming and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The diamond is so large that it fills the palm of his hand, underscoring its exceptional size and rarity.
Advancements in technology have played a crucial role in the discovery of large diamonds in recent years. Companies like Lucara Diamond Corp., the Canadian mining company behind this find, use sophisticated X-ray devices to locate big diamonds in ore and employ refined grinding techniques to prevent them from breaking during extraction. Lucara has set ambitious goals for the future, aiming to surpass the Cullinan diamond’s size and find the largest diamond ever discovered.
The discovery of this extraordinary diamond in Botswana represents a significant milestone in the world of diamond mining, showcasing the country’s rich geological heritage and its ongoing contributions to the global diamond industry. As the world eagerly awaits further developments, the story of this remarkable find will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
