STORY: This is the president of Botswana holding what could be the second largest rough diamond ever discovered.
It was found at the Karowe mine in Botswana, said Canada’s Lucara Diamond Corp, which presented the gem to Mokgweetsi Masisi on Thursday (August 23).
Lucara says it weighs 2,492 carats.
That would make it second in size only to the 3,106 carat Cullinan Diamond – found in 1905 and now part of the British Crown Jewels.
Masisi used the latest discovery to stress the importance of mining to the country.
“They mean everything to us in good times and bad. Diamond prices are going through a very difficult time right now, yet every diamond remains precious and valuable.”
Botswana is the world’s largest diamond producer by value.
They contribute up to 40% of the government’s income, 75% of its foreign exchange earnings and a third of the national output.
And that is why Botswana’s economy has been disproportionately affected by a decline in demand.
Masisi has previously called synthetic gems a threat to the country’s economic lifeblood.
And his government has been trying to get more revenue from its resources.
That includes its intention to renegotiate its proposed purchase of a stake in Belgian gem dealer HB Antwerp, to double the size of its shareholding at no extra cost.