English 
Spanish 
4 min read
0 comments
The second largest diamond in the world is found in Africa. At 2.492 carats, the precious stone is the most important discovery in 120 years. Understand the process and what the destination will be after discovery.
A historic discovery in the world of precious stones was announced this week by the Canadian mining company Lucara: one of the largest diamonds in the world, weighing an impressive 2.492 carats, was found in a mine in Botswana. The jewel was unearthed in the Karowe mine, located in the northeast of the country, which is already known for its rich diamond production and is one of the main extraction points in Africa. This find puts Lucara in the spotlight on the global stage, as the diamond discovered is the second largest in the world, solidifying Botswana as one of the largest producers of high-quality diamonds.
The revelation of this priceless stone reinforces the importance of Karowe and puts the country even more on the map as one of the leaders in world diamond production.
The technology used to find the largest diamond in the world
The Canadian company's technology allows you to extract larger gemstones from the ground without them breaking into pieces, according to Kormind. It is likely, therefore, that other stones will be found. With 2,6 million inhabitants, Botswana is one of the world's largest producers of diamonds, its main source of resources, with 30% of GDP and 80% of exports.
- After 55 years, NASA is preparing new astronauts on the Moon, but the first landing will now only take place in 2027
- Chinese scientists develop new ironmaking method that increases productivity by 3.600 times
- Shortage of qualified professionals may impact the creation of new jobs in the Industry, according to SENAI
- A mega fertilizer factory could be built in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, with an estimated investment of R$5 BILLION!
In the statement, Lucara states that the resources provide Botswana with “considerable socioeconomic benefits”, such as the possibility of financing “essential sectors such as education and health”, as well as the infrastructure sector.
Before the discovery announced this Thursday, the largest diamond found in Botswana was a 1.758-carat stone, also mined by Lucara in 2019 and named Sewelo. The largest diamond in the world, the size of a tennis ball, was acquired by the house Louis Vuitton, the flagship brand of luxury giant LVMH.
The sale price was not disclosed. Lucara stated that it had already found a 1.174-carat diamond in Botswana in 2021, using the same X-ray technology used this week.
How does it work in practice?
The company revolutionized the mining industry with the implementation of Multi-Density Radiometric (MDR) X-ray technology. This advanced technology is used to scan and detect diamonds in large volumes of ore, a crucial process in operations at the Karowe mine in Botswana. Unlike traditional extraction methods, which rely on mechanical processes that can damage precious stones, the MDR system uses X-rays to identify and separate diamonds without physical contact.
A MDR technology works by detecting the specific densities of diamonds, which are distinct compared to the rest of the mining material. By passing the ore through the X-ray scanner, the machine can identify diamonds accurately and efficiently, regardless of the size or shape of the stone. When a diamond is detected, it is automatically separated for further processing, thus reducing the risk of loss or damage to the precious stones.
This innovative method not only increases mining efficiency, but also ensures that even the rarest and most valuable diamonds, such as the recently discovered 2.492-carat diamond, are mined in perfect condition.
MDR technology is a shining example of how innovation can transform mining, making it safer, more accurate and more profitable. Furthermore, it places Lucara at the forefront of diamond mining technology, highlighting it as a leader in the global industry.
Discovery of one of the world's largest gemstones is the most important in 120 years
In carats, the second largest diamond in the world is not far from the largest known diamond in the world, the Cullinan, weighing more than 3.100 carats, found in South Africa in 1905.
According to the CEO of Lucara, William Lamb, the company is ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2.492-carat diamond. The mining company has not yet provided the press with the value of the stone or its quality. Hours later, the company held an event with the participation of the country's president, Mokgweetsi Masisi.
For Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, Europe's largest online jewelry store, the historic discovery of this second largest diamond in the world is the most important in 120 years and that is exciting.
According to Kormind, this large, partly translucent stone is the largest rough diamond found since the discovery of the Cullinan diamond, which was carved into several pieces, most of them set in the British Crown Jewels.
The discovery of the world's second largest diamond in Africa is largely due to recent X-ray detection technology, developed by Lucara and used since 2017.
Other diamonds found in Africa
A 1.109-carat diamond, discovered in the same mine in 2016, was purchased for US$53 million, the equivalent of around R$300 million in current values, by London jeweler Laurence Graff, president of Graff Diamonds, in 2017. Botswana, a country in Africa, one of the main diamond producers in the world, contributes around 20% of global production.
The discovery of this colossal diamond further strengthens the country's position in the global diamond industry. While Lucara Diamond continues to operate and fully own the Karowe mine, the Botswana government is considering a law that would require companies with mining licenses to sell a 24% stake to local companies if the government does not exercise its option to become a shareholder.
