BOTSWANA, Gaborone – A rare 36.92-carat blue diamond has been recovered in Botswana, underlining the southern African nation’s continuing prominence in the global gemstone market and reinforcing the reputation of one of the world’s most prolific diamond mines.
Canadian mining firm Lucara Diamond Corporation announced that the stone was discovered at its wholly owned Karowe Diamond Mine, located in the north of the country. The recovery was made using advanced X-ray transmission (XRT) technology, designed to detect and preserve high-value stones during processing.
The diamond has been classified as a Type IIb blue stone — an exceptionally rare category that accounts for only a tiny fraction of global diamond production. Such diamonds are prized for their boron content, which gives them their distinctive blue hue and enhances their desirability among collectors and luxury jewellers.
According to the company, the gem was extracted from ore sourced from stockpile material rather than freshly mined deposits, suggesting that significant value remains in previously processed resources. Lucara said the find demonstrates the continued economic potential of its existing reserves.
William Lamb, the company’s president and chief executive, described the discovery as further evidence of the Karowe mine’s exceptional geology. He noted that recoveries from stockpiles continue to play a vital role in sustaining production and delivering high-value stones.
The blue diamond is not the only notable recovery this year. Lucara confirmed that five additional diamonds exceeding 100 carats have been unearthed in 2026 from similar stockpile processing, pointing to a steady pipeline of large stones.
Karowe has built a global reputation over the past decade for producing some of the world’s most remarkable diamonds. The mine has yielded multiple stones exceeding 1,000 carats, including the 2,488-carat “Motswedi” and the 1,094-carat “Seriti”, discoveries that have cemented its status as a world-class asset.
It has also produced other historic gems, such as the 1,758-carat Sewelô and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona, placing Botswana firmly at the centre of the high-value diamond trade.
Botswana itself remains one of the most important diamond-producing nations globally, consistently ranking among the top countries by both value and volume. The sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing roughly 30 per cent of government revenues and about 70 per cent of export earnings.
The latest discovery comes at a time when the global diamond market faces mixed conditions, including competition from lab-grown alternatives and softer luxury demand. Nevertheless, rare natural stones — particularly coloured diamonds such as blue Type IIb gems — continue to command strong interest due to their scarcity and investment appeal.
Lucara’s ongoing underground expansion project at Karowe is expected to extend the mine’s life beyond 2040, ensuring that Botswana remains a key supplier of exceptional diamonds for decades to come.
Industry analysts say the recovery of another rare blue diamond reinforces confidence in the mine’s long-term prospects, while highlighting the enduring allure of natural diamonds in an evolving global market.
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