Raipur: Geophysical Survey, Exploration Yield 5 Diamonds In East Chhattisgarh

Of the five diamonds recovered after processing 200 tonnes of bulk sample material from the Balod- Belmundi diamond block in the Saraipali region, three are found to be of gem quality and the remaining two are of non-gem quality, an official spokesman said here on Tuesday.’

“The discovery has been officially confirmed by NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation)- CMDC (Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) Ltd, a joint venture between NMDC and CMDC”, the official spokesman said.

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

Based on these findings, 200 tonnes of material were transported to NMDC’s diamond processing plant in Panna in Madhya Pradesh, where diamonds were recovered.

The company confirmed the results in an official communication on June 22, 2026.

The letter stated that since NMDC-CMDC does not currently have a dedicated facility for the safe custody of diamonds, all five recovered precious stones have been deposited in the secure strong room of NMDC at Panna.

Among the recovered precious stones are two gem-quality whitish diamonds weighing 0.19 carats and 0.06 carats respectively.

In addition, one yellowish non-gem diamond weighing 0. 32 carats and two brownish non-gem diamonds weighing 0.59 carats and 0.06 carats were recovered.

Mining experts describe the presence of gem-quality diamonds at such an early stage of exploration as a highly encouraging sign, suggesting the possibility of a more substantial diamond resource in the region.

Gem-quality diamonds represent the highest quality category of diamonds and are primarily used in jewelry because of their superior brilliance, transparency and colour characteristics.

The non-gem quality diamonds, on the other hand, are generally used for industrial applications such as cutting and drilling tools.