Seven labourers in India’s central state of Madhya Pradesh are hoping a large diamond discovered at their small mine will transform their lives after years of struggling with poverty and limited employment opportunities.
The men found the 17.96-carat rough diamond in Panna, a district known for its diamond deposits. Local diamond official Ravi Patel described the stone as being of gem quality, one of the most valuable grades of natural diamond.
Patel said the diamond would be offered at a government auction in the first half of October. He estimated that it could fetch at least 5 million rupees, equivalent to about $52,400.
The discovery was made at a leased mine in Sarokha village. Akhilesh Pal and six other workers had leased the site for a small amount about two years ago. However, the mine failed to produce any valuable stones and was eventually closed for about a year.
Pal said the group recently opened another mine nearby. After heavy rains, they went to inspect the old site and noticed the large stone lying near the surface.
The workers said they had spent about two years searching for diamonds without success before the discovery finally came.
Panna is one of India’s best-known diamond-producing areas and is located in Madhya Pradesh, which holds most of the country’s diamond reserves. Despite its mineral wealth, the district faces widespread poverty, water shortages and unemployment.
Many residents depend on diamond mining in the hope of finding a valuable stone that could provide financial security. However, the benefits do not always go directly to the people who discover the diamonds.
Most miners in the region are reported to work as daily-wage labourers for lease-holders. Under those arrangements, diamonds discovered by workers generally belong to the lease-holder, leaving miners with their wages rather than the value of the stones.
The latest discovery is unusual because the seven men are expected to receive a share of the proceeds.
The government is expected to deduct a 12 per cent royalty from the auction proceeds, with the remaining amount divided equally among the seven workers, according to local reports.
The auction will be conducted as part of Panna’s quarterly diamond sales, with buyers from India and other countries expected to participate.
For the labourers, the discovery could bring a dramatic change to their financial circumstances. Local media reports quoted some of the men as saying they had been unable to afford marriage because of their poor economic situation.
The potential proceeds from the diamond could now give them an opportunity to improve their living conditions, support their families and plan for the future.
The seven men will have to wait until the October auction to learn exactly how much their discovery will bring. For now, the 17.96-carat stone has turned years of unsuccessful searching into the possibility of a life-changing reward.
