PanBhopal, Nov 7 (NationPress) In an astonishing twist of fate that has generated a wave of enthusiasm throughout Madhya Pradesh’s diamond region, Brijendr Kumar Sharma, a resident of Sirsvaha village in Panna district, has discovered five distinct diamonds from the Bharkan mines—an incredible start to his mining adventure.

Sharma, who obtained his inaugural mining permit in June of this year for shallow digging, hit the jackpot—figuratively speaking—when his modest venture resulted in 5.79 carats of rough diamonds: including a 0.74-carat, a 2.29-carat, a 0.77-carat (all brilliant), in addition to a 1.08-carat and a 0.91-carat (off-colour) diamond.

Experts project that the total worth of these stones could range from a minimum of Rs 5 lakh to a maximum of Rs 12 lakh, influenced by clarity, hue, and market demand. This discovery has not only brought joy to Sharma’s family but also rekindled hope among local miners who often endure tough conditions in search of the elusive gleam beneath Panna’s earth.

The Bharkan mines, part of the renowned Panna diamond reserve, have historically been a source of livelihood and aspirations for numerous small-scale miners. While large-scale commercial operations often dominate the news, it is tales like Sharma’s—of determination, patience, and serendipity—that embody the essence of grassroots mining in the area.

Officials from the Mineral Resources Department confirmed the discovery and praised Sharma’s compliance with legal mining protocols. “This is a prime example of responsible mining. We encourage more locals to seek permits and explore opportunities in a regulated manner,” stated a senior officer.

This discovery emphasizes the potential of shallow mining permits, which are generally issued to individuals or small groups for limited excavations, often utilizing simple tools and minimal financial investment, as noted by an official in Panna.

Speaking with local officials, Sharma expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and shared his surprise at the discovery. “I never anticipated that my first attempt would prove so rewarding. It’s a true blessing,” he said, beaming with pride.

The diamonds have been safely deposited with the district’s diamond office, where they will be assessed and auctioned in accordance with government protocols. As the diamonds await their fate under the auctioneer’s gavel, Sharma's story has captivated Sirswaha and beyond.

Just days earlier, Kailash Sharma, a tour guide at the Panna Tiger Reserve, pursued his own aspirations in the Krishna Kalyanpur Pati diamond mine, working a modest 8x8 leased plot of sun-baked soil. Amid the gravel, two stones sparkled with promise. Although a prominent diamond valuer indicated their quality did not match the five exceptional gems recently discovered by Brijendr, the upcoming auction is anticipated to yield more than expected.