• Source:JND
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The largest diamond discovered in over a century has been unearthed, and experts suggest it could be valued at more than USD 100 million (Rs 10 crore). Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana, where the diamond was found, showcased the fist-sized gem, measuring 2,492 carats and weighing about a pound at a viewing ceremony this week. 

Officials stated that it was too early to determine the stone's value or how it would be sold. However, sources close to Lucara, the Canadian mining company that discovered the diamond in its Karowe Mine, estimated that it could be worth more than USD 100 million.

The diamond was discovered at the Karowe Diamond Mine in northeastern Botswana using X-ray technology, according to a statement from Lucara Diamond Corp. Lucara did not provide a value for the find or detail its quality. However, in terms of carats, the stone ranks second only to the 3,016-carat Cullinan Diamond found in South Africa in 1905. Pictures released by the company show that the diamond is as large as a palm.

‘One Of Largest Rough Diamonds Ever Unearthed’

This discovery is described as “one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed” and was detected using the company’s Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, which was installed in 2017 to identify and preserve large, high-value diamonds.

Botswana is one of the world's largest diamond producers, responsible for about 20% of global production.

Last month, Reuters reported that Botswana's government has proposed a law requiring mining companies to sell a 24% stake to local firms once they are granted a mining license unless the government chooses to exercise its option to become a shareholder.

In 2019, a 1,758-carat diamond discovered in the Karowe Mine was purchased by luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton. Prior to that, in 2010, Graff Diamonds acquired a 1,109-carat diamond from Karowe in 2016 for an impressive USD 53 million (Rs 5.3 crore).