(IDEX Online) - Lucara has announced the recovery of an unbroken 341-carat diamond at Karowe in Botswana, bringing the mine's tally of stones over 200-carats to 54 since 2015.
Earlier this month the Canadian miner had its lease on the deposit extended for 25 years, clearing the way for a major $500m underground expansion program.
The top white gem quality diamond (pictured) was recovered over the holiday period in ore milled from an area of the mine's South Lobe long associated with valuable finds.
"The consistent recovery of these large diamonds is a testament to the continued strong resource and plant performance at Karowe and underpins our rationale for moving forward with the underground expansion program that will see mining continue for at least another 13 years after the open pit ceases operations in 2026," said CEO Eira Thomas.
"The 341-carat diamond represents the 54th diamond greater than 200 carats to be recovered from Karowe since 2015."
Historic recoveries at Karowe include the 549-carat Sethunya, 1,758-carat Sewelô, the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona and the 342-carat Queen of the Kalahari....