#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.