Botswana has unveiled the world’s second-largest diamond ever discovered, a colossal 2,492-carat gem that promises to rejuvenate interest in natural diamond mining. Mokgweetsi Masisi, Botswana’s president, announced the discovery in a press conference on Thursday, August 22, 2024. While holding up the diamond, he said Vancouver-based mining company Lucara discovered its Karowe mine in northeastern Botswana. He revealed that the diamond is the largest gemstone unearthed in over a century.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Commenting on the discovery, Aseem Lahri, Botswana managing director for Lucara Diamond Corp, said:
“This is history in the making. I am very proud. It is a product of Botswana.”
The rough diamond, weighing over a pound and a half, is large enough to fit comfortably in an adult’s palm.
However, its true value remains undetermined and could take months of evaluation to establish.
In an official statement, Lucara described the discovery as an “exceptional, high-quality” stone, noting that it was discovered using X-ray technology to locate large, high-value diamonds.
How the diamond was formed – expert
New York Times reports that the discovery is due to a rare alignment of geological conditions linked to volcanic activity, which created the perfect environment for such a gem to form.
FG increases mining permit cost in Nigeria
Meanwhile, Legit reported that the federal government has increased the price of mining permits and royalties.
Dele Alake, the minister of solid minerals development, stated that the pricing regime comprises 268 elements.
According to him, investors must pay N5 million for a license to refine gold to obtain a mineral processor.