Botswana unearths world's third largest diamond

Botswana First Lady Neo Masisi holds a diamond while standing next to Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi in Gaborone, Botswana. Diamond firm Debswana said yesterday 2021 it had unearthed a 1,098-carat stone that it described as the third largest of its kind in the world. The stone was presented to President Mokgweetsi Masisi Wednesday by Debswana Diamond Company's acting managing director Lynette Armstrong.

A 1,098 carat diamond believed to be the third largest gem-quality stone ever to be mined, has been discovered in Botswana, according to a joint venture between Anglo American's De Beers and the government. The stone was presented to President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Wednesday by Debswana diamond Company's acting managing director Lynette Armstrong. 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. "This is the largest diamond to be recovered by Debswana in its history of over 50 years in operation," Armstrong said. "From our preliminary analysis it could be the world's third largest gem quality stone. We are yet to make a decision on whether to sell it through the De Beers channel or through the state owned Okavango diamond Company," Armstrong said.