Andhra bhoomi full of gems

Andhra Pradesh is turning out to be the diamond mine of the country. The Geological Survey of India identified 110 kimberlite pipes (diamond-bearing formations) in the State, the highest in the country.

These kimberlite pipes were found in the most backward places such as Anantapur, Mahbubnagar, Kurnool, Kadapa, Chittoor and Nalgonda districts. Kimberlites are the most important sources of diamonds and are usually found on the earth's crust as vertical structures.

Mines minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy said that the latest findings were very encouraging. "Studies in 1997 discovered only seven such places in the State," she said. Ms Reddy added that the government was getting several proposals from foreign companies for exploration.

The Centre is giving maximum priority to gold and diamond exploration as the country is importing jewellery worth Rs 1.25 lakh crores at present.

It has directed the State to complete the first and second stages of exploration in three years and then start mining the diamonds.

BHP Billiton, Phelps Dodge, Rio Tinto, DeBeers and several other companies have already taken prospective licences for the 50,000 sq. km of formations.

"Some companies have already completed high-resolution magnetic surveys using helicopters," said Mr V.D. Rajagopal, managing director of AP Mineral Development Corporation. "Now they are into field level reconnaissance study. Two companies have even started second stage operations."

The GSI survey had identified Timma Samudram, Bommaganapalli, Pillalapalli in Anantapur district, Maddur-Narayanpet