Sierra Leone pastor finds huge 706-carat diamond in village

Sierra Leone's President Ernest Bai Koroma handles the diamond (C)AFP

A pastor in Sierra Leone has unearthed a 706-carat diamond, according to the government, in one of the largest precious stone finds ever made worldwide. The discovery was made by Pastor Emmanuel Momoh in an artisanal mine in the village of Koyadu in eastern Kono district, a government statement said on Thursday.
"A 706-carat diamond was presented to President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma yesterday evening," the statement said.
"Receiving the diamond President Koroma thanked the chief and his people for not smuggling the diamond out of the country," it added, referring to the Tankoro chiefdom where Momoh uncovered the gem.

                                                                                                               (C)AFP