Abstract
Indian diamond mining was known the world over for ages, for the production and trading of gem-quality diamonds till the beginning of the 18th century. The ancient Indian writings and the earlier reports of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) provide a wealth of information on the distribution of diamond host rocks, mining, quality, and trade of diamonds. Both primary (kimberlites & lamproites) of Mesoproterozoic age and secondary Neoproterozoic diamondiferous (Neoproterozoic diamondiferous placer conglomerate & gravel) type diamond are confined to the four cratons of Peninsular India, namely the Dharwar, Bastar, Bundelkhand, and Singhbhum Craton. Since 1950s GSI brought out significant results in terms of diamond resources and their grades. The National Mineral Policy paved the way for the entry of Indian and foreign companies into diamond exploration and exploring the known areas. However, diamond rich areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are yet to be exploited, till such time India will continue to depend on import.
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Acknowledgements
The author had the opportunity of associating with the diamond exploration for several years in Andhra Pradesh while in service with the GSI and subsequently in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The GSI’s publications and unpublished reports provide many details of the diamond exploration. The informal discussions with the former colleagues (geology and mining) in the AP Diamond Project are very useful. P. F. Augustine and T. Sreenivasa Rao (former GSI) are gratefully acknowledged for making valuable and valid suggestions to improve the text. Dr. G. Samuel Sukumar (former GSI) is thanked for his technical support.
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Satyanarayana, S.V. An Insight into the Indian Diamond Exploration and Mining: Past and Present. J Geol Soc India 98, 1110–1113 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-022-2130-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-022-2130-y