Kumar Bahukhandi
During a board meeting held in New Delhi, the company sanctioned large-diameter drilling, a critical milestone in assessing the area’s diamond reserves and advancing the project toward commercial mining-Photo Credit CG./PR
Raipur: Chhattisgarh has taken a major step toward unlocking its diamond potential, with the Board of Directors of NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) approving the next phase of exploration at the Baloda-Belmundi diamond block in Mahasamund district. During a board meeting held in New Delhi, the company sanctioned large-diameter drilling, a critical milestone in assessing the area’s diamond reserves and advancing the project toward commercial mining.
The Board reviewed the progress of exploration work and directed officials to complete all technical activities within the validity period of the prospecting licence. Large-diameter drilling will provide a more precise estimate of the diamond-bearing potential of the kimberlite pipe. Based on the findings, a comprehensive feasibility report will be prepared to determine the viability of establishing a commercial diamond mine.
The meeting was attended by NMDC Chairman and Managing Director Amitabh Mukherjee, Director Ashish Chatterjee, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) Chairman Saurabh Singh, Mineral Resources Department Secretary P. Dayanand, CMDC Managing Director Rajat Bansal, Upendra Kumar, and Vinay Kumar.
NMDC-CMDC Limited is a joint venture between NMDC Limited, a Government of India enterprise holding a 51 percent stake, and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation, which holds the remaining 49 percent. While the company has traditionally focused on iron ore mining, it is now expanding into multi-mineral development following the successful confirmation of natural diamonds at the Baloda-Belmundi site.
The diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe was identified through stream sediment sampling, geophysical surveys, and exploratory drilling. A bulk sample of nearly 200 tonnes was subsequently processed at NMDC’s Panna Diamond Processing Plant, where five natural diamonds with a combined weight of 1.22 carats were recovered. The results scientifically confirmed the presence of diamond-bearing geological formations in the area.
The Board noted that experiences from leading diamond-producing countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Canada, and Australia demonstrate that similar initial discoveries have often led to the development of commercially viable diamond deposits. Consequently, the Baloda-Belmundi project is being viewed as a strategically important mineral venture for both Chhattisgarh and India.
The meeting also reviewed progress on key iron ore projects in the state. Bailadila Deposit-4 has been assigned a production target of one million tonnes for the current financial year, with plans to increase output in phases to seven million tonnes annually. Development work is also progressing at Bailadila Deposit-13, which is planned to have an annual production capacity of ten million tonnes.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable mining practices across all projects, emphasizing environmental conservation, scientific mining techniques, water conservation, efficient waste management, and the socio-economic development of local communities.
Speaking after the meeting, CMDC Chairman Saurabh Singh said that the responsible utilisation of mineral resources, combined with balanced industrial development, is vital for the country’s economic growth. He expressed confidence that the Baloda-Belmundi diamond project has the potential to become a landmark initiative, positioning Chhattisgarh among India’s leading diamond-producing states.
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