The Hindu reported that the country largest iron ore miner NMDC and the world’s premier diamond producer De Beers have found traces of diamond deposits in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
The government has said surveys are also underway in these States to detect gold deposits. It said explorations in the three States had resulted in discovery of 41 kiberlites and 13 lamproite pipes, which are indicative of possible diamond deposits underneath.
An official statement by the Mines Ministry said “So far, a total of 339 Reconnaissance Permits have been issued covering areas of 466,556 square kilometres out of which aerial surveys have been conducted in 27 RPs.”
It said kimberlite and Lamproites were discovered in Kalahandi, Nawarangpur, Nuapada and Bolangir districts of Orissa and in Kurnool, Prakasam and Anantapur districts in Andhra Pradesh. Explorations by CRA Exploration India Pvt Ltd in the State indicated discovery of several mineralised zones in Anantapur and Kurnool districts.
The ministry said exploration permits had been given to several companies.
(Sourced from The Hindu)
