Panna: National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has achieved a major milestone at its Diamond Mining Project (DMP) in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, with the recovery of a 27.29-carat gem-quality diamond.
The diamond was recovered on September 15, 2026, and is the second-largest diamond ever produced by NMDC at Panna.
The latest recovery comes shortly after NMDC recovered a 13.16-carat gem-quality diamond in July 2026, highlighting the continued potential of the Panna diamond mining project.
27.29-Carat Diamond Estimated to Be Worth Up to ₹2.5 Crore
The newly recovered diamond is estimated to have a value of around ₹2 crore to ₹2.5 crore.
However, its final market value will be determined only after the diamond undergoes cutting and polishing.
The discovery was shared by NMDC through a social media post. The information was also shared by K.N. Singh of NMDC’s Human Resources Department.
NMDC described the recovery as a significant milestone for its Diamond Mining Project at Panna.
Second-Largest Diamond Recovered by NMDC at Panna
The 27.29-carat stone has surpassed the previous record for the second-largest diamond recovered by NMDC at Panna.
The previous notable recovery was a 13.16-carat gem-quality diamond, found in July 2026.
NMDC’s largest-ever diamond recovery at Panna remains a 34.37-carat diamond, which was found in 2010 at the Majhgawan mine.
That diamond was subsequently sold for around ₹3.2 crore.
The latest 27.29-carat recovery comes after a gap of around 16 years since NMDC found a diamond of comparable size at its Panna operations.
Panna Known for High-Quality Diamonds
Panna in Madhya Pradesh is known for its diamond-bearing areas and has produced several high-quality diamonds over the years.
Apart from NMDC’s mechanised mining operations, individuals also undertake diamond mining on leased land in surrounding areas. Local workers and miners have occasionally discovered diamonds, with such finds providing significant economic opportunities for people in the region.
NMDC operates its diamond mining project at Majhgawan, located around 20 kilometres from Panna.
NMDC Diamond Mine Has Operated Since 1971-72
The NMDC diamond mining project at Majhgawan has been operational since 1971-72.
The project was shut down in 2021 amid concerns related to wildlife safety, as the surrounding forest area falls within the landscape of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
Following environmental and regulatory considerations, the project resumed operations in March 2024.
Its operating permit has now been extended until 2035.
NMDC’s Panna operation is recognised as India’s only mechanised diamond mine and is described by the company as Asia’s largest mechanised diamond mining project.
NMDC Continues Focus on Mechanised and Sustainable Mining
The Panna diamond project is part of NMDC’s broader mining operations and its focus on mechanised and scientific mining.
The company has stated that its mining complexes have received 5-Star ratings from the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Ministry of Mines, reflecting its emphasis on scientific and sustainable mining practices.
NMDC also operates a dedicated Research and Development Centre in Hyderabad, which is recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
NMDC Targets 100 MTPA Iron Ore Capacity by FY30
While diamond mining is a specialised part of NMDC’s operations, the company remains India’s largest producer of iron ore.
NMDC operates highly mechanised iron ore mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka and produces more than 50 million tonnes of iron ore annually from its major production units, including the Bailadila Sector in Chhattisgarh and Donimalai in the Bellary-Hospet region of Karnataka.
The company has set a target of achieving 100 million tonnes of iron ore production capacity by FY30.
About NMDC
National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) is a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India and the country’s largest iron ore producer. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, NMDC operates highly mechanised mining complexes in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka and also runs India’s only mechanised diamond mine at Panna, Madhya Pradesh. The company focuses on scientific and sustainable mining and has an R&D Centre in Hyderabad recognised as a Centre of Excellence by UNIDO.
Read also: NMDC Raises Lump Iron Ore Price by ₹150 to ₹5,400 Per Tonne From September 9
