Raipur: Chhattisgarh's development journey has been marked today with a significant milestone. The discovery of diamonds during scientific exploration in the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block in the Saraipali area of ​​Mahasamund district has provided a significant step towards establishing a new identity for the state in the field of mineral wealth. Following the testing and processing of a 200-ton bulk sample by NMDC-CMDC Limited, five diamonds weighing a total of 1.22 carats were recovered. This achievement confirms the potential for diamond mineralization in the region and could provide the basis for large-scale investment, revenue generation, and new employment opportunities in the future.

According to information provided to the state government by NMDC-CMDC Limited, based on scientific surveys, stream sediment sampling, geophysical studies, and exploration drilling conducted in the Baloda-Belmundi area, approximately 200 tons of bulk samples of mineral material were collected and tested from the identified area. The five diamonds obtained after processing include two gem-quality diamonds and three other grade diamonds.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai described this achievement as extremely encouraging for Chhattisgarh, saying it is a significant milestone in the state's economic potential and the scientific exploitation of its natural resources. He said the state government is committed to scientific exploration, transparent management, and value-addition-based industrial development of mineral resources.

He said that Chhattisgarh is already among the country's leading mineral-producing states and plays a leading role in the fields of iron ore, coal, bauxite, and limestone. Now, the confirmed diamond prospects will further enrich the state's mineral diversity and strengthen its mineral economy.

The Chief Minister said that the state government's policy is not limited to mineral extraction, but also focuses on promoting mineral-based industries, value-addition units, and local employment generation. The goal of a developed Chhattisgarh is being realized by encouraging investment, industry, and economic activity through the state's mineral resources.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that to build a developed Chhattisgarh, the state government is working equally in all sectors of minerals, agriculture, industry, infrastructure and human resource development. This success achieved in the Baloda-Belmundi region will give the state's mineral potential a new identity at the national level and open new doors for investment, employment and inclusive development.

He expressed confidence that through scientific exploration and modern technologies, the discovery of mineral wealth in other potential areas of the state will also gain momentum, due to which Chhattisgarh will emerge as a major centre of mineral-based economy and industrial development of the country in the coming years.

Experts believe that this initial success is a crucial indicator for future, extensive exploration efforts. This will pave the way for comprehensive studies of the area's geological structure, resource potential, and potential reserves. Further surveys and tests will allow for a more accurate assessment of the area's true potential.

It is noteworthy that the diamonds obtained as a result of bulk sample testing conducted in Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block have been kept in safe custody in the strong room of NMDC located in Panna and further action will be taken as per rules and scientific standards.