---
title: "Madhya Pradesh Labourers Unearth 17.96 Carat Diamond Worth ₹50 Lakh"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/panna-diamond-discovery-by-labourers-6aze2
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Society
published: 2026-08-13T02:30:26.430Z
modified: 2026-08-13T04:30:06.371Z
language: en-IN
---

# Madhya Pradesh Labourers Unearth 17.96 Carat Diamond Worth ₹50 Lakh

Seven labourers in Madhya Pradesh's Panna district discovered a 17.96-carat diamond, estimated to be worth approximately ₹50 lakh. The precious gem, found in a leased shallow mine, is scheduled for auction in October.

## Key takeaways

- Seven labourers in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, found a 17.96-carat diamond.
- The diamond is estimated to be worth approximately ₹50 lakh.
- The gem is scheduled to be auctioned in October.
- The labourers had leased the mine two years ago and recently reopened it.
- A 12% royalty will be deducted by the government from the auction proceeds.

Seven daily-wage workers have discovered a significant diamond in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, a region known for its gem deposits. The stone, weighing 17.96 carats, is preliminarily valued at around ₹50 lakh and is slated for auction in October.

The labourers, who had leased a shallow mine in Sarokha village two years prior, had temporarily suspended operations for a year. Upon reopening the mine recently, one of the workers, Akhilesh Pal, spotted the diamond near the surface. Pal indicated that the find is expected to significantly improve their lives.

## What Happens Next

The 17.96-carat diamond is expected to be auctioned in October. Diamond officials anticipate that the stone will attract bids from both Indian and international buyers, potentially fetching close to ₹50 lakh. Following the sale, the government will retain a 12% royalty, with the remaining proceeds to be divided equally among the seven labourers.

## Background

Panna is recognized as India's diamond-mining town, and discoveries of valuable stones are not uncommon for individuals working in leased mining areas. Previous finds in the region include an 11.19-carat diamond valued at approximately ₹30 lakh, and a 19.22-carat diamond that sold for ₹93 lakh at a government auction earlier in 2024.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/panna-diamond-discovery-by-labourers-6aze2
Reported from: Multiple Sources