Debswana Diamond Co. a unit of De Beers and a 50/50 partnership between Botswana and De Beers, has unearthed a 1,098 carat diamond in Botswana on June 1, IDEX Online reports.
The huge gem is the largest since the company began operations five decades ago, and the third largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered. Valuation of the stone is still a few weeks away. Rachel Mothibatsela, Debswana’s spokeswoman, said: “Debswana will work with the government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers to value and sell the diamond to ensure it returns maximum benefit for the people of Botswana”.
The stone was discovered at Jwaneng, the world’s richest mine by value. It is currently undergoing a $2 billion expansion.
The biggest diamond ever discovered is the 3,106-carat Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905. The second largest gem-quality diamond ever unearthed is the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona, found at Lucara’s Karowe mine in Botswana in 2015.
