Panna Diamonds Get Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• 18 Nov 2025

Why in News?

The diamonds mined in Panna district (Madhya Pradesh) have officially been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, giving them a recognised identity and premium value in national and global markets. 

Key Points

• About Panna Diamonds:
  • Panna is India’s only diamond-producing district, and under this tag the stones will be marketed as “Panna Diamond” in the 14-Natural Goods Category.
    • he Majhgawan Mine in Panna, operated by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), is the only organized, mechanized diamond mine currently operating in India.
  • The diamond mining process in Panna involves small leased plots (commonly 8 × 8 metres) where soil is dug, sieved, washed and separated. Diamonds found there are deposited at the District Diamond Office for quarterly auctions.
  • With the addition of Panna diamonds, Madhya Pradesh has reached 21 products with GI tags including Chanderi Saree, Ratlami Sev, Gond Painting, and others.

• About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 is the Indian law governing GI tags; it came into effect on 15th September 2003. 
•  A GI tag certifies that a good originates from a specific geographic region, and its quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to that location.
• Only authorised users from that region may use the registered GI name, which helps protect the product from international misuse and fake substitutes.

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)

• NMDC is India’s largest iron ore producer and a central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, established in 1958.
• It is engaged in the exploration, extraction, and production of a wide range of minerals, including iron ore, diamonds, copper, limestone, and dolomite