The Board of Directors of NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) has approved the next stage of exploration at the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh. According to reports from NCL, the decision mandates the commencement of scientifically large-diameter drilling under the Prospecting Licence to assess the diamond deposit's extent and commercial potential. The programme is expected to generate detailed scientific data on the diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe, enabling experts to accurately evaluate the deposit's viability. As per the Chhattisgarh government, the Board has directed that all technical activities under the operational prospecting licence be executed strictly within the stipulated timeline. The approval represents a crucial milestone in the scientific assessment of the diamond deposit and paves the way for potential commercial diamond mining in the state.
During the Board meeting in New Delhi, members instructed that every technical activity linked to the Prospecting Licence should be completed within the prescribed timeframe. As reported by NCL, the information gathered during drilling will be used to prepare a comprehensive Feasibility Report, which will ultimately guide the decision on whether the project proceeds to commercial diamond mining. The upcoming large-diameter drilling initiative is designed to provide a highly precise assessment of the area's diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe. The data gathered from this programme will culminate in a detailed feasibility report, which will serve as the blueprint for the commercial development of the diamond mine. The project represents a significant expansion for NMDC-CMDC Limited, which is a joint venture between NMDC Limited (51% stake) and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (49% stake). While the company has traditionally focused on iron ore mining, the successful discovery of natural diamonds at Baloda-Belmundi marks its emergence as a multi-mineral development company.
The prospective kimberlite pipe was identified following extensive stream sediment sampling, geophysical investigations and targeted drilling. According to NCL, around 200 tonnes of bulk material were later processed at NMDC's Panna Diamond Processing Plant, resulting in the recovery of five natural diamonds with a combined weight of 1.22 carats. This provided strong scientific evidence that the area contains diamond-bearing geology, with similar early-stage discoveries in major diamond-producing nations often leading to commercially viable mining operations. Drawing on the experience of leading diamond-producing countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Canada and Australia, officials said such early-stage discoveries often indicate the presence of commercially viable diamond deposits. Consequently, the Baloda-Belmundi project is being viewed as a strategically important mineral development initiative not only for Chhattisgarh but also for India. The findings have affirmed and established the geological potential of the block, with the next round of drilling now determining the size, grade and economic viability of the deposit.
Alongside the diamond exploration programme, the Board assessed the progress of NCL's ongoing iron ore developments across the state. As reported by NCL, production at Bailadila Deposit-4 is expected to reach one million tonnes during the current financial year, with plans to progressively increase capacity to seven million tonnes annually. Work is also continuing on Bailadila Deposit-13, where the proposed production capacity stands at 10 million tonnes per year. The board also reviewed the progress of these key iron ore projects in Chhattisgarh, with officials adding that development of Bailadila Deposit-13 is progressing steadily. The company's focus on iron ore mining has traditionally dominated its operations, but the Baloda-Belmundi diamond discovery marks a significant diversification into multi-mineral exploration.
Speaking after the meeting, Shri Saurabh Singh, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation and Director of NCL, emphasized the project's potential significance. According to NCL, Singh stated that "The prudent utilisation of mineral resources and balanced industrial development are essential for India's economic growth. The Baloda-Belmundi diamond project has the potential to become a historic milestone in positioning Chhattisgarh among the country's leading diamond-producing states." If the deposit proves commercially viable, Chhattisgarh could join the ranks of India's diamond-producing states, where commercial mining has so far largely been centred around the Panna region of Madhya Pradesh. The project is also expected to diversify the state's mineral portfolio, which has traditionally been dominated by coal and iron ore. The Board also reiterated its commitment to sustainable mining practices across all projects, including environmentally responsible operations and socio-economic development support for local communities. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has encouraged farmland owners to legally look for mining options on their Rayati land, further highlighting the state's focus on mineral wealth development.
