Jumbo-Diamond Detecting System Attracts Attention From Mining Company

Share this
Share

Developed by the Russian company Diamant, the tech uses the tagged neutron method to find large diamonds inside kimberlite ores.

The unique advantage of the TNM method is to provide an image of the hidden object in three-dimensions, without having to crack open a bunch of rock.

Alrosa has come out as one of Diamant’s first customers. Currently, Alrosa crushes kimberlite to find diamonds, but this can end up damaging the precious stones, as well as being more expensive than Diamant’s dry method.

Fragment of Massive Diamond Sold for $17.5m

Share this
Share

A piece of the world’s second-largest diamond, found 2 years ago by Vancouver’s Lucara Diamond company, just sold for $17.5m.

The big rock in question is the 1,109-carat “Lesedi La Rona.” They wanted $70m for it at the auction, but no one bid higher than $60m so they still have it.

The $17.5m diamond is a smaller piece that broke off of the “Lesedi.”