Karnataka To Issue Notifications For Diamond Exploration

Karnataka to issue notifications for diamond exploration

NewKerala.com, Bangalore

16th February 2006

The Karnataka government has issued two notifications for exploration of diamond and associated minerals in parts of Chitradurga, Davangere and Chikmagalur districts, a top official of the mines and geology department said.

"The first notification is for exploration covering an area of 10733.44 sq km in parts of Chitradurga and Davangere districts while the second covers an area of 10938.38 sq km in parts of Chikmagalur and Chitradurga districts excluding the western ghats area," Dr T N Venugopal, Joint Director, Mines and Geology, told PTI here today.

The Reconnaissance Permits (RPs) are being given to South African diamond major De Beers India Pvt Ltd for a period of three years, he said.

Thirtyfour RPs have been given to national and multinational companies for exploration of diamond and associated minerals over an area of 55,000 sq km, he said.

Once the reconnaissance operations are completed, the company will retain an area of 25 sq km if there is prospect for further exploration, Venugopal said.

"They will then apply for a prospecting licence which will be for a period of 2-5 years," he said.

Meanwhile, Geo Mysore Services Limited and its sister company Indophil Resources India Ltd, which are into gold mining, have applied for prospecting licence which is "under consideration of the government," he added.