NMDC reopens Panna diamond mine

The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) today announced the reopening of the Panna diamond mine in Madhya Pradesh, paving the way for domestic production of one lakh carats of rough diamonds.

The mine, with a production capacity of one lakh carats per annum, remained closed for about four years on account of environmental reasons.

Now that the mine is back in production, "We will be able to meet at least part of the domestic demand for diamonds," steel and mines minister Virbhadra Singh said after the reopening of the mine.

The reopening of Panna diamond mine was one of the main agenda of the UPA government's programme to be accomplished during the first 100 days, he added.

The Panna mine is the only mechanised diamond mine in Asia and the project is not only very important for NMDC and Madhya Pradesh, but also prestigious for the country as a whole, he said.

NMDC, Singh said, is looking at expanding the operating area of the Panna mine and is also exploring for diamond reserves in Chattarpur district and coal deposits in Shahdole and Umaria districts. It is in the process of acquiring mining lease for development of coal blocks.