Ministry of Mining in collaboration with Lucapa Diamond Company Limited, have announced the recovery of the first largest gem-quality 126 carat diamond from the new Mothae Kimberlite Mine in Lesotho.

The report indicates that the diamond is the largest recovered since commercial mining operations commenced in January 2019, and is also the largest gem-quality diamond ever recovered from Mothae.

The Minister of Mining Honorable Keketso Sello, said the recovery of the diamond represented another milestone for Lesotho’s highly prospective diamond sector.

He further said Lesotho is proud of its international reputation as a producer of large and high quality diamonds, and this latest recovery from the newest mine Mothae continues to demonstrate Lesotho’s great potential.

The Lucapa Managing Director Mr Stephen Wetherall said the recovery of the diamond is the proof of the largest stone and high value nature of the Mothae Kimberlite Diamond Mine.

He also said they are delighted to have recovered their first +100 carat stone early in their commercial mining campaign at Mothae, along with other rare Type IIa and fancy colored gems.

He further stated that they look forward to unlocking the true value of this mine over the next decade and beyond.