The 709-carat Peace Diamond is set to bring much-needed practical help to the people of Sierra Leone.

In early December this year, the precious stone – which was mined in the country’s Kono district and is the 14th largest diamond in the world – will go under auction in New York, and the money raised (after taxes) will go towards providing essential infrastructure that will help improve the lives of artisanal miners in Sierra Leone, according to a Mining Review Africa report.

International diamond trading network Rapaport Group has conducted global marketing of the diamond to boost awareness and secure the highest possible price at the auction.

Meanwhile, a 476-carat rough diamond was recently discovered, also in Kono district. Estimated to be the 29th-largest diamond worldwide, it too is likely to be auctioned.

21 November 2017
Image: Reuters