Afghanistan, Aug. 12 -- Seven workers have found a 17.96-carat diamond at a small mine in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, a discovery that could bring them millions of rupees through a government auction.
The workers, who were searching for diamonds at a mine in the area, found the stone near the surface after returning to a site that had previously yielded no valuable discoveries.
Officials have estimated the diamond's value at at least 5 million Indian rupees ($52,400). It is expected to be offered at a government auction in October, with the final value to be determined by competitive bidding.
Under Panna's diamond-mining system, stones found by licensed miners are handed over to the authorities for valuation and auction. After appl...