Lucara’s annual diamond production reaches record high

Canada’s Lucara Diamond achieved record-breaking production in 2024, highlighted by the recovery of two exceptional stones at its prolific Karowe mine in Botswana. The Kawore mine has produced seven diamonds larger than 1,000 carats, including the world’s second-largest – a 2,492-ct stone

The miner increased its processed ore to 2.9 million tonnes last year, up from 2.8 million tonnes in 2023. It also set a new milestone with the recovery of 807 “specials”—diamonds larger than 10.8 carats—compared to 602 in the previous year. These accounted for 7.6% of the total recovered carats, up from 5.3% in 2023.

The two most important diamonds recovered last year were the 2,488-carat Motswedi and the 1,094-carat Seriti diamonds, both unearthed at Karowe. Motswedi, found in August, is the largest diamond recovered in the last century. Its name means “water spring” in the local Setswana language, symbolising underground water surfacing to bring life and vitality. The Seriti stone, unearthed in September, translates to “aura” or “presence”, reflecting cultural identity and legacy.

Lucara’s discoveries have continued this year, with a 1,476-carat non-gem diamond recovery in January.