Seven laborers in central India's Panna district have discovered a 17.96-carat gem-quality diamond, sparking hopes for a significant improvement in their lives. The find occurred in the Sarokha village mine, which had been leased by one of the workers, Akhilesh Pal, and six others two years ago.
Panna, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is home to most of India's diamond reserves. Despite its mineral wealth, the district is among the country's least developed, with residents facing challenges such as poverty, water scarcity, and unemployment. Many turn to diamond hunting as a primary source of income, hoping for a valuable discovery to alter their fortunes.
Historically, many daily-wage laborers in Panna work for lease-holders, meaning any diamond found often benefits the lease owner rather than the miner. However, this recent discovery represents one of the few instances where the actual finders are poised to benefit directly.
Pal stated that the mine had been closed for a year due to a lack of success and had only recently reopened. The diamond was found on the surface of the old mine when the group went to inspect a new one they had started nearby. "When we went there to inspect the new one, we also looked inside the old mine, and that's where we found it - right on top," Pal reported.
The diamond is slated for sale at the next quarterly auction, expected in October, where national and international buyers will be able to place bids. The government will deduct a 12% royalty from the sale proceeds, with the remaining amount to be divided equally among the seven workers. For some of the laborers, this windfall offers a chance to overcome financial hardships that have previously prevented them from marrying.