What a rock: Whopping 2,492 carat diamond found
GABORONE, Botswana — The largest diamond found in more than a century has been unearthed at a mine in Botswana, and the country’s president showed off the fist-sized stone to the world at a viewing ceremony Thursday.
The Botswana government says the huge 2,492-carat diamond is the second-biggest ever discovered in a mine. It’s the biggest diamond found since 1905.
The as-yet-unnamed diamond was presented to the world at the office of Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi. It weighs approximately half a kilogram and Masisi was one of the first to get to hold it.
“It is overwhelming,” Masisi said. “I am lucky to have seen it in my time.” He gasped and said “wow” before calling senior government officials over to take a closer look.
Officials said it was too early to value the stone or decide how it would be sold. Another smaller diamond from the same mine in Botswana was sold for $63 million in 2016, a record for a rough gem.
“This is history in the making,” said Naseem Lahri, Botswana managing director for Lucara Diamond Corp., the Canadian mining company that found the diamond. “I am very proud. It is a product of Botswana.”
More Stories
Russia reports record-high employment rate
Workforce participation has reached 61.5%, while unemployment remains at a historic low of 2.2%, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova has...
European Parliament drops Google citing privacy concerns – Politico
The bloc’s lawmakers have reportedly selected Qwant, formerly owned by Axel Springer, to reduce digital dependence on the US The...
Russian SMEs growing on stronger supply-chains to giants
Large companies are increasingly sourcing components from smaller home-grown suppliers, a SPIEF panel has heard Large Russian companies are increasingly...
Peers warn UK cannot afford to drag its feet on sterling stablecoin rules
The House of Lords has told the Bank of England and the FCA to keep to their timetable on stablecoin...
Americans spending more because they are ‘optimistic’? Economists challenge Trump adviser’s claim
Analysts have told RT that soaring prices, not confidence, are driving higher spending Americans are spending more on everything from...
Seventh carbon budget: Britain bets £105bn Net Zero economy can shield SMEs from the next fossil fuel shock
Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses are being placed at the centre of the most consequential climate decision since the Climate...
