# Five Natural Diamonds Found at Panna Plant Pave Way for Large-Scale Drilling at Chhattisgarh Diamond Block > The board of NCL has approved large-diameter drilling at the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block in Mahasamund district, following the confirmed recovery of five natural diamonds totalling 1.22 carats. The move positions Chhattisgarh closer to becoming a major commercial diamond-producing state. **Type:** article · **Category:** Chhattisgarh · **Published:** 2026-06-27 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/chhattisgarh/panna-snyntra-men-5-asali-hiron-ki-pushti-ke-bada-baloda-belmundi-men-bare-vyasa-ki-drilinga-ko-mnjuri-mili-3330 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block, Chhattisgarh diamond mining, NCL drilling, kimberlite pipe, Mahasamund, NMDC, commercial diamond mining, Bailadila Chhattisgarh's diamond mining ambitions have cleared a decisive milestone. The board of directors of NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) convened in New Delhi and gave the go-ahead for large-diameter drilling at the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block in Mahasamund district. This is widely regarded as the most critical step yet toward a scientific quantification of diamond reserves in the area and, eventually, the establishment of a commercial mining operation. ## Five Natural Diamonds Already Confirmed The push for large-diameter drilling is rooted in concrete geological evidence. NCL had earlier identified a kimberlite pipe in the Baloda-Belmundi area through a combination of stream sediment sampling, geophysical surveys, and targeted drilling. Around 200 tonnes of bulk sample were then dispatched for testing to NMDC's Panna Diamond Processing Plant. The results yielded five natural diamonds with a combined weight of 1.22 carats, providing scientific confirmation that the geological formations here are diamond-bearing. ## What the Next Phase Involves The board directed that all technical work be completed in a time-bound manner within the prospecting licence period. The large-diameter drilling will deliver a precise assessment of the diamond reserves concentrated within the kimberlite pipe. Following that assessment, a detailed feasibility report will be prepared, and the final decision on developing a commercial diamond mine will rest on the conclusions of that report. The meeting was attended by Amitabh Mukherjee, Ashish Chatterjee, Saurabh Singh (Chairman, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation), P. Dayanand (Secretary, Department of Minerals), Rajat Bansal (Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation), Upendra Kumar, and Vinay Kumar. ## NCL's Structure and Pivot Toward Multi-Mineral Growth NCL is a joint venture between NMDC Limited, a Government of India undertaking holding a 51 per cent stake, and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation, which holds the remaining 49 per cent. The company has historically concentrated on iron ore projects, but the confirmed presence of natural diamonds at Baloda-Belmundi has propelled it firmly toward multi-mineral development. ## A Signal Backed by Global Precedent The experience of major diamond-producing nations including Botswana, South Africa, Canada, and Australia shows that early-stage recoveries of the kind seen at Baloda-Belmundi can signal the presence of large commercial reserves deeper in the ground. That global context has elevated the standing of this project, which is now viewed as a mineral initiative of national significance, not only for Chhattisgarh. ## Iron Ore Projects Also Reviewed The meeting also covered the state's key iron ore projects. At Bailadila Deposit-4, a production target of 10 lakh tonnes has been set for the current financial year, with a phased scale-up plan that will eventually take annual output to 70 lakh tonnes. Development work on Bailadila Deposit-13 is also progressing, with the project being built toward an annual capacity of one crore tonnes. ## Environment and Local Communities Central to All Projects The board reiterated that environmental protection, scientific mining methods, water conservation, waste management, and the socio-economic development of local communities will be given the highest priority across all projects. Saurabh Singh, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation, said that the judicious use of mineral resources and balanced industrial development are essential to the country's economic progress. He added that the Baloda-Belmundi diamond project could prove to be a historic achievement in placing Chhattisgarh among India's leading diamond-producing states. ## What this means for you - **Across India:** A confirmed large diamond deposit at Baloda-Belmundi would boost India's domestic gem and minerals industry and reduce the country's reliance on diamond imports. - **In Chhattisgarh:** A commercial mining operation in Mahasamund district would generate local employment and accelerate economic development in the region. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Which district is the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block located in? It is located in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. ### 2. How many diamonds have been found there, and what was their combined weight? Five natural diamonds with a combined weight of 1.22 carats were recovered during testing at NMDC's Panna Diamond Processing Plant. ### 3. What will large-diameter drilling achieve? It will enable a precise assessment of diamond reserves within the kimberlite pipe, after which a feasibility report will determine whether a commercial mine is developed. ### 4. Who are the stakeholders in NCL and what are their shareholdings? NCL is jointly held by NMDC Limited with a 51 per cent stake and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation with 49 per cent. ### 5. What is the production target for Bailadila Deposit-4? The target is 10 lakh tonnes for the current financial year, with plans to scale output progressively to 70 lakh tonnes annually. ### 6. What is planned for Bailadila Deposit-13? It is being developed with an annual capacity of one crore tonnes. ### 7. Do international examples support optimism about the Baloda-Belmundi site? Yes, in Botswana, South Africa, Canada, and Australia, early-stage diamond discoveries have often preceded the confirmation of large commercial reserves. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._