File photo
Debswana Diamond Co., a unit of De Beers Plc, unearthed a 1,098 carat stone in Botswana on June 1, the largest since the company began operations five decades ago.
The stone was discovered at Jwaneng, the world’s richest mine by value, which is undergoing a $2 billion expansion.
"Debswana will work with the government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers to value and sell the diamond to ensure it returns maximum benefit for the people of Botswana,” the company's spokeswoman, Rachel Mothibatsela, said.
Debswana is a 50/50 partnership between Botswana and De Beers to mine the gems in the southwestern African nation. Last year, the company produced 16.6 million carats, compared with 23.3 million carats in 2019.
Botswana’s total rough diamond sales fell 30% to $2.1 billion last year as mines suspended production due to the coronavirus pandemic.
