Five natural diamonds weighing 1.22 carats have been found in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district, marking a significant discovery in the region's diamond exploration. The diamonds were discovered during scientific exploration under a prospecting licence issued to NMDC-CMDC Ltd.
The exploration, which included internationally accepted techniques such as stream sediment sampling and drilling up to a depth of 500 metres, identified a potential diamond-bearing kimberlite body. Geologists processed around 200 tonnes of bulk samples from the kimberlite and found the five natural diamonds after mineral processing and acid washing.
State joint director (geology) Sanjay Kankane said the discovery is a very encouraging result, confirming the presence of a diamond-bearing geological system. He added that the possibility of widespread diamond mineralisation in Chhattisgarh opens up new possibilities for investment, employment generation, and economic development.
The discovery suggests that diamond mineralisation could be far more widespread than previously estimated, and Baloda-Belmundi has the potential to emerge as one of the country's important diamond exploration centres.
Chhattisgarh has a long history of diamond exploration, with an exploration programme launched in 1987-88 in Gariaband. The first breakthrough came during the 1992-94 field seasons when geologists identified kimberlite pipes, the parent rock of diamonds.
