Raipur: 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 License 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 Amitava Mukherjee, Ashish Chatterjee, Saurabh Singh, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC), P. Dayanand, Secretary, Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, Rajat Bansal, MD, CMDC, Upendra Kumar, and Vinay Kumar.

NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) is a joint venture of NMDC Limited (51%) and Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (49%), evolving from an iron-ore-focused entity into a multi-mineral developer after discovering natural diamonds at Baloda-Belmundi, Chhattisgarh.

The Board also reviewed iron ore operations: Bailadila Deposit-4 targets 1 million tonnes this year with expansion to 7 MTPA, while Deposit-13 (10 MTPA) is under development. NCL reaffirmed sustainable mining, waste management, water conservation, and community development commitments.

Speaking after the meeting, 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.”