Aug 23, 2024
Second-Largest Diamond in the world Found in Karowe mine Botswana by Lucara
Second-Largest Diamond Found in Botswana by Canadian Firm: Echoes of Africa's Resource Exploitation
A 2,492-carat diamond, the second-largest ever, discovered in Botswana raises questions about African resource ownership.
A remarkable discovery has been made in Botswana: a 2,492-carat diamond, the second-largest ever found, has been unearthed at the Karowe mine. This mine is operated by the Canadian firm Lucara Diamond, and the stone is the largest diamond found in Botswana's history. However, this discovery stirs a critical question about the ownership and control of Africa's vast mineral wealth.
A Historic Find
The newly found diamond is the biggest since the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan diamond was cut into nine major stones, many of which now adorn the British Crown Jewels—a stark reminder of the colonial exploitation that stripped Africa of its riches. South Africans continue to seek the return of this historically significant gem, arguing that it was taken by the British Royal Family without fair compensation.
The Legacy of African Resources
Botswana's latest diamond find has reignited discussions about who truly benefits from Africa's natural resources. Despite being home to some of the world's most valuable minerals, many African nations, like Botswana and South Africa, see foreign entities and imperialist interests profiting from their resources.
The Cullinan diamond, which remains in the possession of the British Crown, is a symbol of the historical exploitation of African resources. The fear now is that this new discovery will also end up benefiting foreign interests rather than the local communities and governments of Africa.
The Case for African Ownership
This discovery raises an important question: Why don’t African nations own and fully control their mines? The current situation sees many African resources, such as diamonds, in the hands of foreign companies and governments. This setup perpetuates a cycle where Africa's wealth enriches others while local populations remain impoverished.
The estimated price of a diamond as large as the 2,492-carat stone found in Botswana can vary significantly depending on several factors, including its quality (such as color, clarity, and cut potential), market demand, and the specifics of the sale (auction or private sale).
While exact valuations for such a unique and rare diamond aren't readily available without thorough evaluation, large, high-quality diamonds can fetch hundreds of millions of dollars. For example, the smaller but high-quality 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond, also discovered in Botswana, was sold for $53 million in 2017.
Given that the newly discovered diamond is even larger, its estimated value could be well over $100 million, possibly much higher if it proves to be of exceptional quality. However, an accurate valuation would require professional appraisal by gemologist
A Call to Action
As we marvel at the discovery of this extraordinary diamond, it’s crucial to advocate for greater African ownership of natural resources. Africa’s wealth should benefit its people, not foreign monopolies. There’s a growing demand for policies that ensure the profits from these resources stay within the continent, fostering local development and empowerment.
Discover More on eKayzone.co.za
In light of these discussions, it’s worth exploring platforms like eKayzone.co.za, an AI-powered South African classifieds online marketplace where individuals can buy and sell items for free. As we push for economic independence and self-sustainability in Africa, platforms like these are vital in empowering local communities.
Thank you for reading. Kindly share this article on your social media connections to raise awareness about Africa's ongoing struggle for resource ownership.
#eKayzone #BotswanaGovernments #SecondBiggestDiamond Diamond2492Carat #KaroweDiamondMine #CanadianLucara #LucaraKaroweMine