Discovery of the Mega Diamond

- Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana has unveiled a new gem, a diamond weighing 2,492 carats, making it the second-largest diamond in the world.

- This find comes second only to the Cullinan diamond, a massive gem of 3,106 carats, discovered in 1905 in South Africa.

- The Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) X-ray Transmission (XRT) technology played a considerable part in uncovering this diamond, helping in the identification and preservation of larger diamonds.

 

Botswana's Economic Dependency on Diamonds

- Botswana, recognized as a major diamond producer, banks heavily on this precious gemstone, which contributes to 30% of its GDP and makes up 80% of its exports.

- Thus, a discovery of this magnitude significantly boosts Botswana's economic prospects.

 

The Amazing Allotrope: Diamond

- A diamond is an allotrope of carbon and holds the title of being the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth.

- They are created in the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions, found commonly in volcanic landforms like dykes and sills.

- Uses of Diamonds: Their hardness and brilliance make them highly desirable for jewellery. Additionally, they are used in metal polishing, gem cutting, and various industrial applications such as drill cutting edges.

 

India's Role in the Diamond Industry 

- Key Diamond Locations in India: The Panna belt in Madhya Pradesh, the Wajrakarur Kimberlite pipe, and the Krishna River basin in Andhra Pradesh house India's significant diamond reserves.

- Major centres for the diamond cutting and polishing industry in India include Surat, Navsari, Ahmedabad and Palampur.

 

Worldwide Diamond Production

- Leading Diamond Producers: The major diamond-producing countries are Russia, Botswana, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

- These countries significantly contribute to the world diamond industry, with their large reserves and well-established diamond mining and refining industries. 

This substantial discovery not only holds mining significance but also provides significant economic implications for Botswana and continues to maintain the relevance of diamonds in the global marketplace.