Bhubaneswar: Diamond deposits have been found in Nuapada district, and the state govt is examining the technical and financial feasibility of mining them, steel and mines minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena informed the assembly on Thursday.In a written reply, the minister said diamond-bearing stones have been found at Kalmidadar in Nuapada block of Nuapada district. “Along with technical and economic viability, other associated issues are also being evaluated,” he said in response to a query from MLA Sanatan Mahakud.Sources said the state has not yet estimated the quantity of diamond available. Similarly, its quality and projected market value is also being assessed. It would be too early to give a clear picture and whether the same would be commercially viable, sources said.The govt sources said diamondiferous lamproite rock, which contains diamond, has been discovered in Kalmidadar area of Nuapada district after sustained exploration efforts. Geologists have also identified potential satellite bodies of kimberlite/lamproite rocks, which potentially contain diamond, around Pokhanpadar, Supuli, Bharuamunda, Kathiwadi and Arkholi in the district.The minister said gemstone deposits have been discovered in Junagarh block of adjacent Kalahandi district. Govt sources said 28 gem-bearing tracts have been identified through UNDP-aided exploration across the districts of Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir, Boudh, Subarnapur, Angul and Sambalpur.Jena further informed that gold deposits have been identified in the Riamal area of Deogarh district, Kuliana block of Mayurbhanj and Bansapal block of Keonjhar. Mining will be taken up after DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) survey and assessment of the geological reports. As reported earlier, Odisha currently has an estimated 1,996 kg of gold. The price of gold deposits in Odisha would be around Rs 3,000 crore.
