Diamond Mining Preparations Gain Momentum in Chhattisgarh: NCL Board Approves Large-Diameter Drilling at Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block

Raipur, June 27, 2026: In a significant step towards unlocking Chhattisgarh’s mineral wealth, the Board of Directors of NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) has approved the next phase of exploration at the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block in Mahasamund district. At its Board meeting held in New Delhi, the company decided to commence Large-Diameter Drilling, marking a crucial milestone towards assessing the diamond deposit scientifically and paving the way for commercial diamond mining in the state.

The Board reviewed the progress of the project and directed that all technical activities under the Prospecting Licence be completed within the stipulated timeline. The large-diameter drilling programme will enable a precise assessment of the diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe. Based on the results, a detailed Feasibility Report will be prepared, which will form the basis for a final decision on the commercial development of the diamond mine.

The meeting was attended by Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Shri Ashish Chatterjee, Shri Saurabh Singh, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC), Shri P. Dayanand, Secretary, Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, Shri Rajat Bansal, Managing Director, CMDC, Shri Upendra Kumar, and Shri Vinay Kumar.

NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) is a joint venture between NMDC Limited (51%), a Government of India enterprise, and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (49%). 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.

NCL identified the prospective kimberlite pipe through stream sediment sampling, geophysical surveys, and targeted drilling. Around 200 tonnes of bulk samples were processed at NMDC’s Panna Diamond Processing Plant, yielding five natural diamonds weighing a total of 1.22 carats, providing strong scientific confirmation of diamond-bearing geology in the area.

Experience from leading diamond-producing countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Canada, and Australia suggests that 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 Board also reviewed the progress of NCL’s key iron ore projects in Chhattisgarh. At Bailadila Deposit-4, production is targeted at one million tonnes during the current financial year, with plans to gradually increase capacity to seven million tonnes per annum. Development of Bailadila Deposit-13, with a proposed production capacity of 10 million tonnes annually, is also progressing steadily.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to environmentally responsible mining, scientific waste management, water conservation, and the socio-economic development of local communities across all its projects.

Speaking after the meeting, Shri Saurabh Singh, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation and Director, NCL, said, “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.”