Raipur: An important decision has been taken to further highlight Chhattisgarh’s mineral wealth. The Board of Directors of NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) met in New Delhi and approved the next phase of the project, deciding to commence large-diameter drilling in the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block in Mahasamund district. This step is considered a crucial step toward scientifically assessing the actual diamond reserves in the region and paving the way for future commercial diamond mining.
At the meeting, the Board of Directors conducted a detailed review of the project’s progress to date and directed that all technical work be completed in a timely manner within the scope of the prospecting license. Large-diameter drilling will accurately assess the diamond reserves in the kimberlite pipe. A detailed feasibility report will then be prepared, based on which a final decision on developing a commercial diamond mine will be made.
The NCL Board of Directors meeting was attended by Amitabh Mukherjee, Ashish Chatterjee, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Saurabh Singh, Secretary of the Mineral Department P. Dayanand, Managing Director of Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Rajat Bansal, Upendra Kumar, and Vinay Kumar.
NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) is a joint venture between NMDC Limited (51 percent) and Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (49 percent), Government of India undertakings. The company has previously focused on iron ore projects, but following the confirmation of natural diamonds in the Baloda-Belmundi area, it is rapidly moving towards multi-mineral development.
NCL identified the kimberlite pipe through stream sediment sampling, geophysical surveys, and targeted drilling. Subsequently, approximately 200 tons of bulk samples were tested at NMDC’s Panna Diamond Processing Plant, where five natural diamonds weighing 1.22 carats were recovered. This has scientifically confirmed the diamond-bearing geological structure in the area.
Experiences in major diamond-producing countries like Botswana, South Africa, Canada, and Australia suggest that such success in the initial phase could signal the discovery of larger commercial reserves in the future. Therefore, the Baloda-Belmundi project is considered an important mineral project not only for Chhattisgarh but also for the country.
The meeting also reviewed other major iron ore projects in the state. Bailadila Deposit-4 has a production target of 1 million tons during the current financial year, which will be gradually increased to 7 million tons per year. Work is also underway to develop Bailadila Deposit-13 with an annual capacity of 10 million tons.
The meeting also reiterated that environmental protection, scientific mining, water conservation, waste management, and socio-economic development of local communities will be given top priority in all projects.
Saurabh Singh, Chairman Director of Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation, stated that judicious use of mineral resources and balanced development of industries are essential for the country’s economic progress. The Baloda-Belmundi diamond project can prove to be historic in establishing Chhattisgarh among the major diamond producing states of the country.
