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Lesotho Diamond Mines: Lets'eng Diamond Mine

Letseng Diamond Mine

The Lets'eng (aka "Lets'eng-la-Terae" or "swamp in the corner") diamond mine is known for producing some of the world's largest rough diamonds. Letseng is situated at 3,100 meters, in the mountainous highlands of the kingdom of Lesotho, in the Maluti Mountain range. Letseng is 16 km southeast of Mothae, and 70 km north of Mokhotlong, off highway A1.

The Letseng mine is operated by Gem Diamonds Limited of the United Kingdom (Ticker Symbol: GEMD on the London Stock Exchange), who announced the discovery of the world's 20th-largest diamond on September 21, 2008. The Letseng mine was formally operated by De Beers from 1977 to 1982, and transfered to the Kingdom of Lesotho with a 70% ownership stake by Gem Diamonds Ltd. Letseng is a kimberlite mine with two vertical pipes and surrounding alluvial gravel deposits.

Largest Diamond Finds at Letseng Mine

On September 21, 2008, Gem Diamonds Limited announced the discovery of the world's 20th-largest diamond at the Letseng mine. The uncut, and unnamed diamond is nearly 500 carats, and will be cut into a single round brilliant of up-to 150 carats. This follows the discovery on other notable Letseng diamonds, including the Lesotho Promise (603-carat), Lesotho Brown (601-carat), and the Leteng Legacy (493-carat)

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