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World's Second-Largest Diamond Named ‘Lesedi La Rona’
Botswanan Who Named Gem Wins $2,196 Prize
Feb 9, 2016 11:03 AM
By Rapaport News
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RAPAPORT... The 1,111-carat diamond
recovered by Lucara Diamond Corp. in Botswana in November has been named
‘Lesedi La Rona’ following a competition among locals to label the gem.
The name, which means ‘Our Light,’ was given by Thembani
Moitlhobogi, the winner of a $2,196 (BWP 25,000) prize, according to a Lucara
statement February 9. The contest was only open to Botswanan citizens,
including the miner’s employees.
On January 18 Lucara
launched the competition to name the type-IIa diamond, the largest ever
recovered in Botswana and the second largest ever found in the world. Entrants
were invited to submit a suggested name and a reason for their choice. More
than 11,000 entries were received.
Global audit firm
Ernst & Young was hired to ensure transparency and independence during the
process, the statement said. Five executives from Lucara and the Karowe mine
sat on the panel judging entries without knowing the name of the contestant who
submitted each one. Ernst & Young retrieved the winner's name after the
panel had selected the winning diamond name.
“The
diamond industry has played a vital role in the country's development, allowing
for significant and ongoing investment in world-class healthcare, education and
infrastructure,” said William Lamb, Lucara’s chief executive officer and
president. "’Lesedi La Rona’ symbolizes the pride and history of the
people of Botswana."
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Tags:
Botswana, Karowe, Karowe mine, Lesedi La Rona, lucara, Lucara Diamond Corp., mining, Rapaport News
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