KEY POINTS
- Lucara recovered the 2,488-carat Motswedi and 1,094-carat Seriti diamonds, symbolizing Botswana’s cultural heritage and natural treasures.
- Over 39,000 entries in Botswana’s naming contest reflect national pride, with winners awarded cash prizes and mine tours.
- Lucara plans strategic sales of these historic diamonds, emphasizing cultural engagement and lasting benefits for Botswana’s people.
In a landmark announcement, Lucara Diamond Corp. has revealed the names of two extraordinary diamonds recovered in 2024 from its Karowe Mine in Botswana.
The 2,488-carat diamond, one of the largest ever discovered, has been named Motswedi, a Setswana term signifying a life-giving water spring.
The 1,094-carat diamond, equally remarkable, has been named Seriti, symbolizing aura or presence, reflecting Botswana’s cultural identity and legacy.
A celebration of cultural heritage
In its disclosure, Lucara launched a Legacy National Diamond Naming Competition to engage Botswana’s citizens in naming these historic stones.
The competition, which ran from November 22 to December 6, 2024, attracted over 39,000 submissions judged on creativity, cultural relevance, and originality.
Renowned linguistics professor Thapelo Joseph Otlogetswe oversaw the evaluation process, and the winning names were unveiled during a grand gala in Gaborone, attended by Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo.
Pioneering discoveries at the Karowe mine
The Karowe Mine, renowned for producing exceptional diamonds, continues to deliver treasures of global significance. William Lamb, Lucara’s President and CEO, highlighted the importance of these diamonds, stating:
“Motswedi and Seriti are not merely geological phenomena; they represent Botswana’s rich heritage and Lucara’s innovative approach to diamond recovery. These stones are narratives of the Earth’s history, destined to inspire awe globally.“
Celebrating the winners
The individual who proposed the name Motswedi will receive a prize of 100,000 Pula, while the creator of Seriti will take home 50,000 Pula. Both winners are also set to embark on an exclusive tour of the Karowe Mine, offering a closer look at the site responsible for these rare discoveries.
Lucara is exploring sale options for both diamonds, ensuring their eventual placement in markets aligns with the company’s mission to create lasting benefits for Botswana.
The Karowe Mine’s track record solidifies Lucara’s position as a leader in the global diamond industry, while its commitment to cultural engagement underscores its dedication to Botswana’s people.
This historic naming event reinforces the significance of Botswana’s diamond sector and cements the legacy of the Motswedi and Seriti diamonds as symbols of national pride and global admiration.
