Lucara Discovers Rare Blue Diamond at Botswana’s Karowe Mine

The 36.92 carat blue diamond on the left. (Image courtesy of Lucara Diamond.)

Lucara Diamond has recovered a rare and high-quality 36.92-carat blue diamond from its wholly owned Karowe mine in Botswana, reinforcing the asset’s reputation as one of the world’s most prolific sources of exceptional stones.

High-Value Recovery from Stockpiles

The diamond, classified as a Type IIb stone—among the rarest and most valuable in the world—was extracted from stockpiled ore using advanced X-ray transmission technology.

The find highlights the continued economic value of Karowe’s surface stockpiles, which have already produced five diamonds exceeding 100 carats so far this year.

According to CEO William Lamb, the discovery underscores the exceptional quality of the mine and its ability to consistently yield rare, high-value gems.

Expansion Plans to Extend Mine Life

Lucara is currently advancing an underground expansion project at Karowe aimed at extending the mine’s lifespan. A feasibility study indicates the potential recovery of 4.5 million carats over a 10-year period.

With open-pit mining expected to conclude before June 2026, the company will increasingly rely on stockpiled ore while transitioning to underground operations.

A Legacy of World-Class Diamonds

The Karowe mine has built a global reputation for producing some of the largest and most significant diamonds ever discovered, including:

• The 1,758-carat Sewelô (2019)
• The 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona (2015)
• The 813-carat Constellation (2015)

It has also yielded Botswana’s largest fancy pink diamond, the Boitumelo, further cementing its status as a world-class deposit.

Navigating a Changing Diamond Market

The discovery comes at a time when the global diamond industry is facing market headwinds, including softer demand, operational disruptions, and increasing competition from lab-grown diamonds.

Despite these challenges, Lucara’s strategy remains focused on maximizing value from its flagship Karowe asset, which continues to deliver high-margin production of around 300,000 carats annually.

The latest blue diamond find not only adds to Karowe’s legacy but also reinforces Botswana’s position as a leading producer of some of the world’s most extraordinary gemstones.