|
Geological Survey of India (GSI), a subordinate office of the Ministry of Mines, has been engaged since long in exploration of diamond in and around Mahanadi river in Orissa. It carried out search for diamond bearing rocks like Lamproite and Kimberlite from the entry point of the river Mahanadi in the State to the Hirakud reservoir and upto the confluence with Tel river during the last field season, but could not discover anywhere the source rock for diamond.
Search for diamond in Mahanadi River Bed is reported since 1855. In 1969-70, GSI has carried out prospecting of diamond between Hirakud and Baudh areas. All these exercises did not yield any positive targeting for source rock.
From 1993-94, GSI is engaged in the search for pipes of Kimberlites / Lamproites in Mahanadi river basin as well as the prominent tiributaries of Mahanadi, viz. IB, Tel, Ong, Suktel and Indravati in Bargarh, Bolangir, Sonepur, Jharsuguda, Nuapada, Sundergarh and Sambalpur districts. So far the primary source could not be located.
The search is still continuing in Kasipani-Khandhadhap area, Bargarh and Nuapada districts. Government also grants Reconnaissance Permits (RPs) and Prospecting Licenses (PLs) to interested private entrepreneurs for exploration of minerals. As per National Mineral Policy (NMP) 1993, the exploration and exploitation of all non-fuel and non-atomic minerals have been thrown open to private investment.
GSI, Public Sector Undertakings like Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) and some State Directorates of Geology and Mining / State Mining Corporations of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Orissa have been engaged in exploration for diamond and other precious and semi-precious stones.
DS/SCH
|
