Letšeng Diamonds, the owner of the world renowned Letšeng Mine in Lesotho, and the DMCC, a Dubai government initiative to provide industry specific trade infrastructure, are pleased to announce that the 478 carat white diamond recovered at the Letšeng Mine in September of this year, will make its first public appearance on 8 November 2008 at the Atlantis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah.

The unveiling of the diamond, which has never before been viewed by the public, will be the highlight of the first Middle East China Diamond and Jewellery Summit being held at the Atlantis Hotel on the 8th and 9th of November. This auspicious event will be hosted by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive Chairman of the DMCC and Letšeng Diamonds (Pty) Ltd who will also make use of this occasion to announce the name of the diamond.

The diamond which weighs 478 carats, ranks as the 20th largest rough diamond ever to be recovered and the third largest rough diamond recovered this century. It is the largest diamond in recorded history to be received in the Middle East.

The diamond has been determined to be a type II D colour diamond, the highest colour grading available for a white diamond. Furthermore the diamond is of outstanding clarity with no inclusions visible in its rough form. It has the potential to yield one of the largest flawless D colour round polished diamonds in history.

Commenting on the recovery, Minister Monyane Moleleki, the Minister of Natural Resources for Lesotho said:
"Once again Letšeng has proved its ability to produce extraordinary diamonds and continues to place Lesotho at the forefront of diamond producing countries. We will continue to proudly develop this asset and the rare diamonds that it produces to their maximum value for the benefit of the people of Lesotho."

Announcing the unveiling, Clifford Elphick Chairman of Letšeng Diamonds, commented:
"This is a truly historic diamond and as such I am exceptionally pleased that a fitting opportunity to unveil the diamond such as this Summit has presented itself. The Summit will provide the diamond, the Letšeng Mine and the Kingdom of Lesotho excellent exposure and we look forward to working with the DMCC to maximise this."

Commenting further on the announcement, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said:
"As an emerging diamond capital, Dubai is the ideal venue for a diamond of this importance to be unveiled and we are very honoured to be afforded the opportunity. We welcome the diamond and the delegation from Lesotho to Dubai and trust that this partnering of efforts will be rewarding for all."

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