Rayalaseema diamond potential is back in focus

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TIRUPATI: The diamond potential of Rayalaseema is back in focus with a team of international experts visiting the areas where diam..

TIRUPATI: The diamond potential of Rayalaseema is back in focus with a team of international experts visiting the areas where diamondbearing kimberlite is found in abundance. It may be recalled that geological surveys undertaken as a part of the National Diamond Project found 53 kimberlite formations in the region.
Last week, a team of 37 experts, including 18 kimberlite specialists, from South Africa, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Norway, Finland, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, England and other countries participated in an idea sharing programme in the district, organised by the Geological Survey of India. As many as 10 geologists and nine other experts form GSI joined the international team. Some of the international experts were from the famous diamond company De Beers.In fact, a team of De Beers scientists conducted an aerial survey using ultrahigh resolution magnetic equipment a few years ago to identify kimberlite resources in the region.

The visit of experts to Vajrakarur and other areas in the district was a prelude to the weeklong 10th international conference on kimberlite in Bengaluru, which commenced on Monday.

The team also visited Pillalapalle, Timmasamduram, Bhramasamduru and

According to sources, rich kimberlite deposits were found in Timmasamudram mandal four years ago and international organisations proposed to acquire 1,500 acres for diamond mining.

The team also visited Belum caves and Banaganapalle in Kurnool district, and the areas along Tungabhadra river. After the conference, the experts will visit diamond cutting and polishing units in Bengaluru and Surat.