Editor’s Note
This remarkable discovery by a woman laborer in Panna highlights both the potential rewards and inherent uncertainties of diamond mining. While the find is a significant personal windfall, it also underscores the broader economic and social dynamics at play in the region’s mining communities.
Rachna Goldar, a woman laborer from Panna district, found eight diamonds from her mine within a single week. Six of these are of gem quality, with a total weight of 2.53 carats. These diamonds have now been deposited at the government diamond office and will go to auction. It is estimated that each gem-quality diamond could be worth 4-5 lakh rupees.
The land of Panna district in Madhya Pradesh is not called the ‘womb of gems’ for nothing. Once again, a woman’s fortune has shone like a diamond here. This woman laborer, named Rachna Goldar, found eight diamonds in a week, making her the talk of the town. The diamonds unearthed from this soil have shaped the fortunes of countless people. It is reported that six out of the eight diamonds found by the woman are of gem quality. These diamonds will now be put up for auction, where their price will be determined. It is expected that the diamonds found by the woman could be worth lakhs.
Six of the eight diamonds are of gem quality. Among them, the largest diamond is 0.79 carats. The remaining two diamonds are of lower value due to being off-color. Experts say that gem-quality diamonds are used in jewelry, while off-color diamonds are used for industrial purposes.
Rachna Goldar is a resident of Bardgadi village. She has three children. Two sons work in private jobs and her daughter is married. Her son-in-law also works in a diamond mine.
Rachna has deposited the diamonds at the Panna Diamond Office. Auctions are held here every three months. Major traders from Gujarat, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and other states participate. The price of a diamond is determined by its weight, cut, color, and clarity. The government deducts 12 percent from the final auction price, which includes 11 percent royalty and 1 percent TDS. The remaining amount is given to the diamond finder.
Lease on Government Land: Along with the application, three photos, a copy of the Aadhaar card, and a bank challan of 200 rupees must be deposited. The lease is issued within 20 days.
Lease on Private Land: Landowner’s consent, sale deed, or rental agreement is required. Additionally, three photos, a copy of the Aadhaar card, and a 200 rupee challan must be deposited. The land must be within the diamond mining area.
After the process is complete, an 8×8 meter lease is issued by the office. Subsequently, laborers or owners dig the soil, sift, wash, dry, and pass it through a sieve. Diamonds are found only through a combination of hard work and luck.
Gem-Quality Diamonds (Grade D and E): Used in jewelry.
Industrial Diamonds (Black in color): Used in glass cutting, aircraft parts, and other industries. Price: From 50,000 rupees to 15 lakh rupees per carat.
The Panna Diamond Office has been conducting auctions since 1961. Auctions are held four times a year. Diamond finders (called ‘Tuadars’) get their diamonds checked, deposit them, and then sell them in the auction. After the government deduction, the remaining amount is given to the finder.