The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) called for the submission of a reworked mining plan that includes proven reserves of diamonds in the exploration region, reported The Times of India.
Recently, the company had prepared and submitted a report with probable reserves following exploration at Chattarpur district, the reserves of which are a geological extension to the country’s only diamond mine in the district.
The National Mining Development Corporation is the operator of the existing Panna mines.
Under international norms of the United Nations Framework Classification, which IBM adheres to, demonstrating proven reserves is necessary to commence mining.
According to an official working with the regulator, data of probable reserves is too vague for an approval as diamonds are not necessarily found in the vicinity of an existing mine.
Of the four stages of exploration classified from G4 to G1, Rio Tinto completed three stages but not the last stage, which is required to prepare the final proven reserve.
Rio Tinto is currently in the final stages of obtaining a mining lease from the state government, provided the IBM approves the mining plan.
