Gem Diamonds has recovered a 442-carat, type II diamond from the Letšeng mine in Lesotho, claiming the stone ranks among the largest gem-quality rough discovered this year.
“The recovery of this remarkable 442-carat diamond, one of the world’s largest gem-quality diamonds to be recovered this year, is further confirmation of the caliber of the Letšeng mine and its ability to consistently produce large, high-quality diamonds,” CEO Clifford Elphick said.
Letšeng is known for its large diamonds, with its most famous stone being the 910-carat Lesotho Legend, which Gem Diamonds sold for $40 million in 2018. So far this year,the mine has yielded a 183-carat diamond recovered in February, and subsequently two stones weighing 114 and 88 carats.
A portion of the sale from the latest discovery will fund a special community project, as agreed with the government of Lesotho, Gem Diamonds said. The government owns a 30% stake in Letšeng.
