LUCARA BOTSWANA LOOKS BACK WITH PRIDE
REFLECTING ON TEN SUCCESSFUL YEARS OF DIAMOND MINING
Lucara Botswana celebrates 10 hugely successful years of mining diamonds in Botswana, marking the momentous occasion with a splendid gala dinner attended by a number of dignitaries, including state President, Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The company owns and operates Karowe Diamond Mine, located on the outskirts of Letlhakane in the Boteti District. Since its commissioning in the second quarter of 2012, the mine has unearthed some of the world’s biggest diamonds, including the 1,758-carat Sewelo, the largest diamond discovered since 1905. Other notable finds include the 1, 111 carat Lesedi La Rona, recovered in November 2015 and a 1, 174 carat whopper discovered last year that is still to be named. Reflecting on the past decade, Lucara Botswana’s Managing Director (MD), Naseem Lahri proudly noted the company has accomplished several highs in that period. “In the 10 years, we have achieved many firsts. We have broken world records and brought in technology that has never been seen anywhere in the world,” said Lahri. The MD further pointed out that they have revolutionised sales to a level previously unseen in the diamond industry. The company has a sales agreement with Antwerp based HB Trading which is responsible for polishing diamonds 10 carats and above. Since the start of its operations 10 years, the organisation has not only grown in revenues but also in staff complement, with its initial workforce of 86 now standing at over 2, 000 employees. Indeed, despite making billions annually, Lahri revealed their proudest achievement is giving back to the community. In his capacity as guest Speaker, President Masisi applauded Lucara Botswana for making a deliberate decision to take diamonds and diamond knowledge to the public, commending inclusive initiatives such as the holding of competitions to name some of its extraordinary diamonds. Although he highlighted the country’s attempts to shift the local economy to a knowledge-based one, President Masisi noted the mining industry will continue to play a key role in the country’s development trajectory. As it has been for the last 10 years, Lucara Botswana will be at the heart of this, with the expected lifespan of its Karowe Mine recently extended to 2046.