Karowe

Karowe is a diamond mine located in Botswana. It lies near the village of Letlhakane in the Central District, and is operated by Lucara Diamond Corp. The mine exploits the Karowe kimberlite pipe through open-pit methods and has been in production since the early 2010s. Karowe is regarded as a high-value producer, focusing on large, gem-quality stones.

The Karowe deposit is known for yielding some of the world’s larger and higher-quality rough diamonds. In 2015, a 1,109-carat rough diamond named Lesedi La Rona was recovered at Karowe. The stone gained wide attention for its size and quality, described as the largest gem-quality rough diamond discovered since the 1905 Excelsior Diamond. Lesedi La Rona was later sold to Graff Diamonds for about $53 million.

Geologically, Karowe is characterized by a kimberlite pipe that produces high-value stones, including notable Type IIa diamonds celebrated for their exceptional clarity and color potential. The operation has contributed significantly to Botswana’s diamond output and economy, providing employment and export revenues while implementing standard mining and processing practices used in large-scale diamond production.

In the broader context, Karowe is one of several major diamond mines in Botswana, a country noted for its diamond sector and its role in supplying some of the world’s most prominent high-value stones. The mine's ongoing operations and sales continue to influence Lucara Diamond Corp.'s production profile and market activity.