First rough diamonds recovered from Bunder Diamond Project

Rio Tinto has recovered the very first rough diamonds from its Bunder Diamond Project in Madhya Pradesh, India. The mining giant will be studying the nature of the product and its potential for the future commercial Bunder production. For this, it has handed over the first rough gems to selected Indian diamantaires for cutting and polishing, and will track each step of the manufacturing process.

Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Mr Bruce Cox said: “I am delighted to have reached this milestone in the development of the Bunder Project. Indian diamantaires are best placed to unlock the potential of the Bunder diamonds and the cutting and polishing tests and jewellery manufacturing process will provide us with vital information for the ongoing evaluation of the Bunder Project.”

The diamonds were handed over to the Indian manufacturers, at a private ceremony in Bhopal. Attending the event were Honourable Mines Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Rajendra Shukla and the Honourable Member of Parliament, Shri Jitendra Singh Bundela.

The diamonds will not be available for sale. Their cutting and polishing tests are expected in two months, followed by the design and manufacture of the gems into the first collection of Bunder diamond jewellery. The collection will be displayed at the Indian International Jewellery Show in Mumbai in August.

Managing director of Rio Tinto India Dr Nik Senapati said: “Having been part of the journey from prospecting to mining lease approval in principle, I am proud that we have been able to display in Madhya Pradesh, for the first time, diamonds recovered during our prospecting activities.”