20th largest diamond in history uncovered

There has been significant media attention as of late around the 478 carat diamond discovered in Africa earlier this month. Mining company Gem Diamonds, in cooperation with the government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, recovered the 20th largest piece of rough diamond from the Letseng Mine.

The diamond has the potential to yield one of the largest flawless D-color polished diamonds in history. After cutting and polishing, the stone will likely yield a 150 carat stone.

What hasn’t been part of the story is the community impact associated with the diamond. Here are some of the things we are thinking about that have been omitted by the media:

• How will the revenue generated from the sale of the diamond help the Lesotho community?
• What were the environmental conditions under which the stone was unearthed?
• Will the salary of the worker who found the stone reflect the revenue generated from its sale?
• What are the labor conditions like in the mine in which the diamond was discovered?
• What is the carbon footprint of shipping the stone around the world for cutting and polishing?
• Is this stone certified conflict-free?

Hopefully, the discovery of this incredible diamond will result in increased education, health and employment opportunities in Lesotho.