Board approves large-diameter drilling at Baloda-Belmundi diamond block in Mahasamund, paving the way for scientific assessment of reserves and potential commercial diamond mining in the state.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 27,2026: Chhattisgarh’s ambitions of emerging as a major diamond-producing state moved a step closer to reality after the Board of Directors of NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) approved the next phase of exploration at the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block in Mahasamund district.
At its meeting in New Delhi, the Board gave the green signal for large-diameter drilling under the project’s Prospecting Licence, a key milestone that will enable scientific evaluation of the diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe and lay the foundation for future commercial mining operations.
The Board reviewed the progress of exploration activities and directed officials to complete all technical work within the stipulated timeline. Data generated through the drilling programme will be used to prepare a comprehensive Feasibility Report, which will determine the commercial viability of developing the diamond mine.
The meeting was attended by NCL directors and senior officials, including CMDC Chairman Saurabh Singh, Mineral Resources Department Secretary P. Dayanand, CMDC Managing Director Rajat Bansal, Amitava Mukherjee, Ashish Chatterjee, Upendra Kumar and Vinay Kumar.
NMDC-CMDC Limited is a joint venture between NMDC Limited, which holds a 51 per cent stake, and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC), which holds the remaining 49 per cent. While the company has traditionally focused on iron ore mining, the discovery of natural diamonds at Baloda-Belmundi has expanded its role into multi-mineral exploration and development.
According to the company, the kimberlite pipe was identified through stream sediment sampling, geophysical surveys and targeted drilling. Bulk samples weighing nearly 200 tonnes were processed at NMDC’s Panna Diamond Processing Plant, resulting in the recovery of five natural diamonds with a combined weight of 1.22 carats. The findings have provided strong scientific evidence of diamond-bearing geology in the area.
Officials noted that similar early-stage discoveries in leading diamond-producing countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Canada and Australia have often preceded commercially viable mining operations. The Baloda-Belmundi project is therefore being viewed as a strategically significant initiative for both Chhattisgarh and India’s mineral sector.
The Board also reviewed progress on NCL’s iron ore projects in the state. Production at Bailadila Deposit-4 has been targeted at one million tonnes during the current financial year, with plans to gradually expand annual production capacity to seven million tonnes. Development work at Bailadila Deposit-13, which has a proposed production capacity of 10 million tonnes per annum, is also progressing.
Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development, the Board said all mining projects would continue to prioritise environmentally responsible practices, scientific waste management, water conservation and the socio-economic development of local communities.
Speaking after the meeting, CMDC Chairman and NCL Director Saurabh Singh said the Baloda-Belmundi diamond project has the potential to become a landmark initiative that could position Chhattisgarh among India’s leading diamond-producing states while contributing to balanced industrial growth and the optimum utilisation of the state’s mineral resources.
