Gem-quality diamonds found during exploration in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund

Five diamonds, two of gem quality, were found during scientific exploration in a diamond block in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district, officials said on Tuesday. This discovery could potentially open up a new diamond-bearing region in the state. The diamonds were found at the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block in the Saraipali area of the district, a government statement said.

Mining experts described the recovery of gem-quality diamonds at such an early stage of exploration as an encouraging indication of the area’s potential, suggesting the possibility of a larger diamond resource in the region. A total of five diamonds weighing 1.22 carats were recovered after processing 200 tonnes of bulk sample material extracted from the exploration site.

The gem-quality whitish diamonds weigh 0.19 carats and 0.06 carats. The other recoveries include a yellowish non-gem diamond weighing 0.32 carats and two brownish non-gem diamonds weighing 0.59 carats and 0.06 carats. The finding has been officially confirmed by NMDC-CMDC Limited, a joint venture between National Mineral Development Corporation (a central PSU) and Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation, which has been conducting exploration in the block. This validates the presence of diamond minerals in the area and could pave the way for future investments, revenue generation and employment opportunities.

According to the NMDC-CMDC, the area was identified as a prospective diamond-bearing zone following stream sediment sampling, geophysical surveys and about 500 metres of exploratory drilling.