• Lucara Diamond recovers 1,080-carat gem, bolstering Botswana's diamond revenue.
  • Consistent retrieval of large, high-value diamonds highlights Botswana's mining potential.
  • Lucara's commitment to excellence drives economic growth and community development.

Sandton- Lucara Diamond Corp., a leading independent producer of high-quality Type IIa diamonds, has announced yet another remarkable recovery from its Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana. The recent discovery of a massive 1,080.1 carat diamond further solidifies Botswana's position as a major player in the diamond mining industry. With the country already earning approximately $5 billion from diamonds, these extraordinary recoveries add a positive outlook for Botswana's diamond revenue and the overall mining sector.

Unveiling a Remarkable Find:

The 1,080.1 carat diamond, measuring an impressive 82.2 x 42.8 x 34.2mm, is a Type IIa top white gem of exceptional quality. Discovered in the Coarse XRT unit at Karowe, the diamond was obtained through direct milling of ore sourced from the M/PK(S) unit of the South Lobe. This remarkable find marks the fourth time since 2015 that Lucara has recovered a diamond exceeding 1,000 carats from the South Lobe of the AK6 kimberlite.

A Legacy of Spectacular Discoveries:

Lucara's previous notable recoveries have already captured global attention. In 2015, the 1,109 carat Lesedi La Rona, the second-largest gem-quality diamond ever found, made headlines. This was followed by the recovery of the 1,758 carat Sewelô in 2019, and in 2021, a 1,174 carat diamond. The consistent retrieval of such extraordinary stones reinforces Botswana's position as a treasure trove for valuable and rare diamonds.

Confidence in Diamond Mining:

Eira Thomas, CEO of Lucara Diamond Corp., expressed the company's excitement over the latest discovery. She stated, "Lucara is extremely pleased to be reporting the recovery of another large, high-quality gem diamond in excess of 1,000 carats in size, representing our fourth diamond over 1,000 carats since 2015." Thomas emphasized that as mining operations deepen and transition to underground mining exclusively in the South Lobe, the frequency of large, high-value stones is increasing. This trend aligns with the resource model and reinforces the economic rationale behind investing in the Underground expansion, which is expected to extend the mine-life to at least 2040.

Lucara's Commitment to Excellence:

Lucara Diamond Corp. is renowned for its commitment to excellence and adherence to international best practices. The company operates transparently, focusing on sustainability, health and safety, environmental stewardship, and community relations. Lucara has also embraced technological innovation through Clara Diamond Solutions Limited Partnership, its subsidiary that has developed a secure, digital sales platform. This platform leverages proprietary analytics, cloud, and blockchain technologies to modernize the diamond supply chain, driving efficiency and ensuring diamond provenance from mine to finger.

Contributing to Botswana's Prosperity:

Lucara's remarkable achievements not only benefit the company but also contribute significantly to Botswana's economic growth. With diamonds already accounting for approximately $5 billion in revenue for the country, these notable recoveries only reinforce Botswana's position as a key player in the global diamond industry. As Lucara upholds high standards and strives for long-term economic benefits, it remains dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities in which it operates.

Conclusion:

Lucara Diamond's recent recovery of a 1,080.1 carat diamond from its Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana signifies another extraordinary milestone in the country's diamond mining industry. With Botswana already earning substantial revenue from diamonds, these incredible discoveries add a positive outlook for the nation's diamond revenue and the mining sector as a whole. Lucara's commitment to excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable practices further strengthens its position as a leading producer of exceptional diamonds while contributing to Botswana's prosperity and the well-being of its communities.