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#MiningIndaba: Botswana's biggest diamond named

10 Feb 2016

The biggest gem-quality diamond ever to be found in Botswana was christened "Lesedi la Rona" (Our Light) at the Mining Indaba 2016.

#MiningIndaba: Botswana's biggest diamond named

The 1,111 carat stone was recovered at Lucara Diamond Corporation's Karowe operation in November last year, and its size also makes it the second biggest diamond recovered anywhere in the world.

In January, Lucara, a Canadian mining concern operating in Southern Africa, launched a competition open to all Botswanan citizens, including the company's Batswana employees, to name the find.

"Lesedi la Rona" was chosen from more than 11,000 audited entries and Thembani Moitlhobogi walked away with the P25,000 (about R35,000) prize.

Karowe opened in 2012 and produces 40,000 carats of gem-quality diamonds a year.

Mining Indaba 2016 is currently under way at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 8-10 February. For info, go to www.miningindaba.com.

Nicci Botha

About Nicci Botha

Nicci Botha has been wordsmithing for more than 20 years, covering just about every subject under the sun and then some. She's strung together words on sustainable development, maritime matters, mining, marketing, medical, lifestyle... and that elixir of life - chocolate. Nicci has worked for local and international media houses including Primedia, Caxton, Lloyd's and Reuters. Her new passion is digital media.