Panna Diamond Mines, Majhgawan

The Panna Diamond Mines at Majhgawan in Panna District, Madhya Pradesh, comprise India's only mechanized diamond mine, operated by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC). Located about 20 km from Panna town, the open-cast mine extracts diamonds from kimberlite and conglomerate deposits. Historically famed since ancient times, the region is the sole diamond-producing area in India and offers visitors insight into diamond exploration, mining operations and sorting processes with prior permission.

Visitors with prior permission can observe an active open-cast diamond mine set in the Vindhyan plateau landscape. Expect a large excavated pit, heavy mining machinery, ore processing and sorting areas, and a visitor briefing on diamond exploration and recovery. The site is industrial rather than recreational, with guided access to designated viewpoints, safety briefings, and explanations of geology and mining techniques. Surroundings are dry deciduous forest and rural farmland.

Panna has been known for diamonds since ancient times and was historically noted during the Mughal period. Modern systematic mining began in the 1960s when the National Mineral Development Corporation established the mechanized mine at Majhgawan. It remains the only mechanized diamond mine in India and the only organized diamond producer in the country.

Panna is recognized as India's sole diamond-producing region, contributing to the cultural identity of Bundelkhand. Diamond mining supports local livelihoods through government-regulated shallow mining leases and the NMDC project, and is associated with local heritage and craftsmanship related to diamonds.