Explorations in the three states have resulted in discovery of 41 kimberlite and 13 lamproite pipes, which are indicative of possible diamond deposits underneath

The country's largest iron ore miner NMDC Ltd and the world's leading diamond producer De Beers have found traces of diamond deposits in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Karnataka, reports PTI.

Surveys are also underway in these states to detect gold deposits, the government has said. It said explorations in the three states had resulted in discovery of 41 kimberlite and 13 lamproite pipes, which are indicative of possible diamond deposits underneath.

Kimberlite and lamproite are solidified volcanic magma and work as elevators to bring diamonds with other minerals to the earth's surface.

"So far, a total of 339 Reconnaissance Permits (RPs) have been issued covering an area of 4,66,556 sq km, out of which aerial surveys have been conducted in 27 RPs," an official statement by the mines ministry said.

It said that kimberlite and lamproite were discovered in Kalahandi, Nawarangpur, Nuapada and Bolangir districts of Orissa and in Kurnool, Prakasam and Anantapur districts in Andhra Pradesh. Explorations by CRA Exploration India in AP indicated discovery of several mineralised zones in Anantapur and Kurnool districts.

In Karnataka, these were discovered in Gulbarga district. The ministry said exploration permits had been given to several companies.