NMDC is tapping on the opportunity to utilise Kimberlite Tailings
National Miner NMDC signed an Agreement for Collaborative Research with CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar, on 18 Feb 2023 for undertaking “Feasibility Studies for Preparation of Fused Magnesia from Kimberlite Tailings”.
NMDC operates the only mechanised diamond mine Panna in Madhya Pradesh which produces around 10 carats of diamond (2g) per 100 tonnes of Kimberlite processed, which is dumped as waste after the recovery of diamonds.
Kimberlite Tailings are used for the development of value-added products and are also known to be a good source of caustic magnesia.
Addressing this research gap for the best utilisation of kimberlite that is available and has accumulated over the years at Panna Diamond Mines, NMDC has initiated the Research Agreement to study the processing and preparation of fused MgO and TiO2.
“NMDC is tapping on the opportunity to utilise kimberlite tailings from our Panna Mines as a resource to produce high cost fused magnesia,” said NMDC CMD Sumit Deb.
Speaking on the project, he said, “We are confident that our endeavours will lead to the conversion of waste into wealth and import substitution, proving to be a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.” fiinews.com
