NMDC recovers 27.29-carat diamond from Panna mining project

By Staff Report October 7, 2026 11:41 am IST

Gem-quality diamond was the second-largest recovered from NMDC’s Panna mine, following a 34.37-carat stone found in 2010.

NMDC Limited has recovered a 27.29-carat gem-quality diamond from its Panna Diamond Mining Project in Madhya Pradesh. The diamond, recovered on September 15, 2026, was the second-largest stone produced by NMDC at the Panna mine.

The diamond was recovered from the Majhgawan mine and was identified as gem quality. Based on its colour, carat weight, clarity and S-shape, NMDC initially estimated its value at around ₹1 crore. The final value will be determined through the prescribed evaluation and auction process.

The latest recovery followed the discovery of a 13.16-carat gem-quality diamond at the Panna project in July 2026. NMDC’s largest diamond recovered from Panna was a 34.37-carat stone found in 2010, which was later sold for ₹3.2 crore.

The Panna Diamond Mining Project is one of NMDC’s non-iron ore operations and is described by NMDC as India’s only mechanised diamond mining project. NMDC resumed operations at the project after a halt of more than three years, according to its annual report.

The recovery also highlighted NMDC’s diversification beyond its core iron ore operations. The miner operates the Panna Diamond Mining Project alongside its iron ore mining complexes in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.

Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC, said the recovery was a significant milestone for the Panna project and reflected the potential of India’s mineral resources. NMDC said it remained focused on responsible mining and developing its diversified mineral portfolio.

Source: The Hindu