Nuapada, Mar 20: Diamond deposits have been found in Nuapada district, and the Odisha government is evaluating the technical and financial feasibility of mining them, Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena informed the state assembly on Thursday.
In a written reply, the minister said diamond-bearing stones were found at Kalmidadar in the Nuapada block of the district. “Along with technical and economic viability, other associated issues are also being evaluated,” he stated in response to a question from MLA Sanatan Mahakud.
Sources said the state has not yet estimated the quantity of diamonds available, nor assessed their quality or projected market value. Officials noted that it is too early to determine whether mining these deposits would be commercially viable.
Geologists have identified diamondiferous lamproite rock, known to contain diamonds, in the Kalmidadar area following sustained exploration efforts. Potential satellite bodies of kimberlite/lamproite rocks, which may also contain diamonds, have been identified around Pokhanpadar, Supuli, Bharuamunda, Kathiwadi, and Arkholi in the district.
The minister further noted that gemstone deposits have been discovered in Junagarh block of the adjacent Kalahandi district. Government sources said UNDP-aided exploration has identified 28 gem-bearing tracts across Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir, Boudh, Subarnapur, Angul, and Sambalpur districts.
In addition, gold deposits have been identified in the Riamal area of Deogarh district, Kuliana block of Mayurbhanj, and Bansapal block of Keonjhar. Mining will commence after a DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) survey and geological assessment. Currently, Odisha has an estimated 1,996 kg of gold, with a projected market value of around Rs 3,000 crore.
