Africa-Press – Botswana. Lucara Diamond Corporation says it has recovered a 692.3-carat diamond from its Karowe Diamond Mine.
The gem, an impressive 46.5 x 40.7 x 28.4 mm, is described as a Type IIa high white gem. The remarkable discovery was made through the innovative MDR XRT unit at the Karowe mine.
The recovery marks a significant milestone for Lucara, as it stands as the fourth diamond exceeding 300 carats to be unearthed so far this year. The discovery closely follows a retrieval of another gem earlier in August, a stunning 1 080-carat Type IIa or 2a white top gem. Type 2a diamonds are also described as perfection in a diamond and are the most valued and collectable items.
The CEO of Lucara Diamond Corporation, Mr William Lamb, expressed his excitement about this latest achievement.
“The successful track record of delivering some of the world’s largest diamonds continues with the recent recovery of a 692.3-carat diamond,” he said.
He said the diamond was the 20th gem larger than 100 carats to be recovered in 2023 alone at the Karowe mine. What makes this discovery even more significant is that the 692.3-carat diamond was found in the EM/PK(S) lithology of the South Lobe.
“The recovery of large diamonds from the EM/PK(S) lithology of the South Lobe strongly supports our expectations for the underground project where the majority of material mined will constitute this phase of kimberlite during the first years of underground production,’ Mr Lamb said. The recovery underscores Lucara’s position as a leader in the diamond mining industry, consistently delivering remarkable gem-quality diamonds that captivate the world’s attention. The company’s commitment to innovation, state-of-the-art technology, and strategic exploration has paved the way for such ground-breaking discoveries.
The company’s secret to unearthing massive gems lies in their deviation from traditional mining practices, but using autogenous (AG) milling, which eliminates chances of diamond damage found in the traditional treatment plants.
Karowe Mine is the second mine in Southern Africa to commission the use of AG mill in 2012 after Catoa Mine in Angola.
In the past, diamond plants focused on maximum diamond liberation through the use of conventional crushing technology which is known to be inefficient for recovery of large stones in their natural and undisturbed state and hence the use of AG mill at Karowe Mine.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
