Namdeb Unveils Biggest Diamond in Two Decades
October 04, 26
(IDEX Online) - Namdeb, the joint venture between Namibia and De Beers, has unveiled a 176.29-carat diamond that it describes as "the largest diamond of its kind recovered at the operation in two decades".
The diamond, named "Owishi," was recovered from the Southern Coastal Mine at Oranjemund, on May 10, 2026, but has only just been made public. Namdeb did not explain what it meant by "of its kind".
The name refers to the word in Oshiwambo, a local language, for a rare type of honey that is found underground.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was photographed with the stone in the capital Windhoek on September 30
She described the discovery as a significant milestone for Namdeb and a source of pride for Namibia.
"May this discovery renew our commitment to ensuring that the wealth beneath our soil becomes a source of shared prosperity for all Namibians," she said.
There is no reliable record of a larger stone having been found at the mine 20 years ago, although a 246-carat diamond was recovered there way back in 1928.
Namdeb has not yet announced whether the stone will be sold through an auction, tender or another sales channel.
Estimates of the stone's possible value vary wildly. Namibian publications report industry estimates of anywhere from $5 million to more than $25 million for the rough stone, depending on clarity, color and eventual polished yield.
Pic shows Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (inset) with the Owishi diamond.