The third-largest gem-quality stone — a 1,098-carat diamond ever to be mined has been discovered in Botswana.
The stone was presented to President Mokgweetsi Masisi by Debswana Diamond Company’s acting managing director Lynette Armstrong.
According to reports, the newly discovered stone was found on June 1. After Armstrong’s presentation to Masisi, this information came to the public on June 16.
Managing Director Lynette Armstrong informed that this is the largest diamond to be recovered by Debswana in its history of over 50 years in operation.
He further added, “From our preliminary analysis it could be the world’s third-largest gem-quality stone. The decision whether to sell it through the De Beers channel or through the state-owned Okavango Diamond Company is yet to be made”.
The discovery of diamonds will now contribute to the country’s GDP. The government will receive as much as 80% of the income from Debswana’s sales through dividends, royalties, and taxes.
It is the third-largest in the world, behind the 3,106 carat Cullinan stone recovered in South Africa in 1905 and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona unearthed by Lucara Diamonds in Botswana in 2015.