Lesedi La Rona seen fetching P900m at London auction

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The historic 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona is seen fetching north of $80 million (P900 million) when it is auctioned in London at the end of June. The diamond, which is about the size of a tennis ball, was discovered by Canadian miner, Lucara Diamond Corporation at Karowe Mine near Orapa in November 2015.

Speaking at a mining conference held in Gaborone this week, Lucara chief operating officer, Paul Day said basing on figures of $77,000 per carat fetched by a 813-carat stone they sold in May, they expect Lesedi La Rona to attract a price of more than $80 million.

“It’s unchartered waters for us because the only ever diamond discovered of this size was more than a century ago and it wasn’t sold through an auction. But judging from our initial estimates, we believe we can sell it for more than $80 million,” he said.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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