After a three-year hiatus that throttled local commerce, the diamond industry in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district is signaling a high-stakes comeback.National Mineral Development Corp. (NMDC), India’s sole mechanized diamond producer, is set to host a landmark joint auction between March 15 and March 30. The event marks the first time that stones from the state-of-the-art Majhgawan project will be sold alongside yields from local “shallow” mines on a single platform.

The move is designed to transform Panna—long known as India’s “City of Diamonds”—into a more competitive hub for global and domestic gem traders.

A Consolidated Marketplace

Historically, NMDC’s industrial-grade yields and the artisanal findings from shallow mines were auctioned separately. By merging these streams, administrative officials aim to create a “one-stop shop” for buyers, ranging from local artisans to major jewelry conglomerates.

The resumption of activity at the Majhgawan Diamond Project comes after a grueling period of inactivity. Mining operations were frozen on Jan. 1, 2021, after environmental clearances expired, leaving the region’s primary economic engine idle for nearly three years.

To accommodate the expected influx of bidders, the government has fast-tracked the completion of the Heera (Diamond) Office Complex. The facility is being outfitted with:

• Climate-controlled auction halls to ensure optimal viewing conditions.
• Enhanced security and transparency protocols to meet international trading standards.
• Integrated logistics support for immediate post-sale processing.

The mechanized Majhgawan mine remains the crown jewel of the operation, utilizing an advanced ore-processing plant that sets it apart from the labor-intensive shallow mining prevalent in the rest of the district.

 With production back online and a streamlined auction process in place, NMDC is betting that Panna can regain its status as a vital link in the global gemstone supply chain.