Bunder Project
Bunder Project is a proposed new diamond mine , located at Janpad Panchayat Buxwaha, Tehsil Buxwaha, District, Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh) India. If the project is approved and proves viable, it could be the "first significant world class diamond mine in India", according to the Rio Tinto Group, who have proposed the mine. The group announced on 23 June, 2008 that it had filed for a mining lease to proceed with the project. They are also waiting permission from the pollution control board for a Dense Media Separation Plant which would allow samples taken from the mine to be processed on location. The foundation of the plant was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on 17 January 2007. Government accorded pollution clearance certificate by its letter no. 213/EPCO/SEIAA/08 dated 22.11.08 for DMS plant
The company is targeting diamond mineralization at the site of a considerably higher grade than produced at the Panna mine, which is the only hard rock diamond mine currently operating in India. .
The success of the project is expected to play a role in the Rio Tinto Group's recently announced joint venture with the National Mineral Development Corporation seeking iron-ore in India and abroad.
Rio Tinto Group is working in association with Southwest Pinnacle, Mitchell Drilling, ANY Associates and Computer Care & Ware.
The location has been under development since it was first scouted in 2004, with the execution of a prospecting license in September 2006.