National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC), a public sector undertaking of the Steel Ministry was granted Reconnaissance Permit for diamond exploration over 2,300 sq. km. area in Anatapur district in Andhra Pradesh. Subsequently, the company took up multi-disciplinary exploration involving remote sensing studies, stream sediment sampling and aeromagnetic survey. The geologists of the company, during the field surveys, discovered a kimberlite body (a parent material for diamond) in the Kalyandurg taluk, Anantapur district. Apart from laboratory tests conducted by NMDC, Dr. John W. Bristow, an International Diamond Consultant has confirmed this discovery during his visit to Kalyandurg along with other NMDC officials.
(Release ID :1166)