Lucara Diamond Corp., a Canadian mining company operating in Botswana, has announced the names of two significant diamonds recently recovered at the Karowe Mine. The 2,488-carat diamond, discovered in August 2024, has been named “Motswedi,” meaning “water spring” in Setswana, while the 1,094-carat diamond, recovered in September 2024, has been named “Seriti,” translating to “aura” or “presence.”
The names were chosen through a national competition, inviting citizens and residents of Botswana to submit proposals that reflect the cultural heritage and distinctive qualities of the diamonds. Over 39,000 entries were received, with the winners selected based on creativity, originality, cultural relevance, and alignment with the characteristics of the stones.
The individuals behind the selected names will each receive monetary rewards—100,000 Pula for the name “Motswedi” and 50,000 Pula for “Seriti.” Both winners will also be given an exclusive tour of the Karowe Mine.
Lucara has indicated that it is exploring sale options for the two diamonds. The company has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the proceeds from the potential sale contribute positively to Botswana. Lucara has also expressed pride in engaging the local community in naming these significant finds, citing the process as a means of fostering national pride.
The Karowe Mine has previously produced notable diamonds, including the 1,758-carat “Sewelô” in 2019 and the 1,111-carat “Lesedi La Rona” in 2015. The recent discoveries further highlight Botswana’s role as a key player in the global diamond industry.
As the company considers the future of these two diamonds, Lucara’s approach underscores the broader emphasis within Botswana’s diamond sector on leveraging natural resources to benefit the country and its citizens.
