Diamonds In The Deccan
On Golconda Rock
A spate of diamond deposit finds sees the majors come calling
- Geological findings point to diamond deposits in seven districts in Andhra Pradesh (AP)
- Of the 150 kimberlite pipes (funnel-like rock formations which are the source of diamonds) in the country, 120 are in AP
- 4-5 carats of diamonds per 100 tonne of rocks processed is considered profitable. The AP deposits are expected to generate 6 carats /100 tonne
- Seven companies, including De Beers, have applied for 42 prospecting licenses covering an area of 1,495 sq km
- Thanks to the kimberlite findings, earnings of the state mines department has gone up from Rs 750 crore three years ago to Rs 1,750 crore now
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Carbon Footprint
Foreign firms with their sights set on Andhra Pradesh:
- De Beers (South Africa)
- Rio Tinto (United Kingdom)
- EMIL Mining India Pvt Ltd (Australia)
- Leo-Mysore Services India Pvt Ltd (Australia)
- Brown Tech Services Pvt Ltd (Unspecified foreign backing)
- Dines Management Pvt Ltd (Foreign funded)
- NMDC (Only Indian company, a PSU)
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