Lucara Diamond Corp. announced the recovery of a 1,305.4‑carat white gem from its wholly owned Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana, marking the tenth find of this size since the operation began.
Record‑breaking find shows mine’s unique output
The stone joins a short list of specimens exceeding 1,000 carats, reinforcing the site’s reputation as the world’s most prolific source of exceptionally large, high‑value gems. The company noted that such recoveries are rare even among major producers.
Recovery was achieved using the Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X‑ray Transmission (XRT) system, technology credited with preserving many of the industry’s largest finds. The unbroken crystal measures 79.9 mm × 34.1 mm × 51.9 mm, an impressive dimension for a stone of this weight.
Processing involved a blend of fresh open‑pit material and previously mined, unprocessed stockpiled ore. Because of that mix, officials cannot confirm whether the gem originated from current pit extraction or from older stockpiles, a detail that remains ambiguous.
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Past giants highlight the mine’s track record
Since production started, the operation has produced several notable specimens: a 1,109‑carat gem known as Lesedi La Rona, a 1,094‑carat stone called Seriti, a 1,080‑carat crystal named Eva Star, and the 2,488‑carat Motswedi, the largest discovery in more than a century.
These finds have positioned the site as a benchmark for large‑scale gem recovery, a status that few other mines can match. The consistent appearance of such massive stones suggests a distinctive geological setting that yields unusually large crystals.
From a broader perspective, the frequency of these exceptional stones may influence how investors assess the long‑term value of the orebody. While market prices for individual gems fluctuate, the sheer size of the resource can underpin confidence in sustained profitability, especially as the underground phase of the project advances.
Company President and Chief Executive Officer William Lamb said, “The recovery of our tenth diamond exceeding 1,000 carats is another extraordinary milestone for Karowe and further demonstrates the singular nature of this world‑class orebody. No diamond mine in history has consistently produced diamonds of this magnitude, and Karowe continues to set itself apart on the global stage.”
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He added that the find “reinforces our confidence in the exceptional value potential of the resource and the continued development of the Karowe Underground Project,” highlighting the strategic importance of the underground expansion.
The press release was reviewed and approved by Dr. Lauren Freeman, Vice‑President of Mineral Resources and a qualified person under National Instrument 43‑101, confirming compliance with industry reporting standards.
Lucara’s 100‑percent ownership of the Botswana operation gives it full control over extraction strategies and future development plans. The company continues to invest in advanced recovery equipment, aiming to maintain the mine’s leading position in large‑gem production.
