Two Young Men Struggling With Hardship Discover $68,000 Diamond While Digging on Leased Land

Discovered Just Weeks After Leasing... Valued Up to 90 Million Won
Leasing Land for Prospecting Is Common Among Residents
Actual Diamond Discoveries Are Extremely Rare

Two young men in their twenties in India have attracted attention after discovering a 15.34-carat diamond on land they had leased only a few weeks prior. On December 17 (local time), the BBC reported the story of two childhood friends who recently found a diamond in Panna, a diamond-rich region of India. Satish Kattik (24) and Sajid Mohamed (23), living in Panna-one of central India's major diamond mining areas-stumbled upon a large, sparkling stone on the land they had recently leased. The two sent the stone to a diamond appraisal center, and it was confirmed to be a 15.34-carat natural, gem-quality diamond.

Satish Kattik (24, left) and Sajid Mohamed (23) who discovered diamonds underground. Photo by BBC

This diamond is said to be among the highest quality of natural diamonds. Anupam Singh, a diamond appraiser, stated, "The estimated market value of this diamond is about 5 to 6 million rupees (approximately 75 to 90 million won)," adding, "It will soon be put up for auction." The two, overjoyed by their unexpected fortune, said, "Now we can help our sisters get married," and added, "We have no immediate plans to expand our business or move to a big city; we just want to focus on supporting our families."

The two, who have been friends since childhood, are the youngest sons in poor families. Kattik runs a butcher shop, while Mohamed makes a living selling fruit. As the cost of living soared recently, making it difficult even to afford wedding expenses, they leased land for diamond mining as a last hope.

A 15.34-carat diamond discovered in Panna, India. BBC

The Panna region is one of the most underdeveloped areas in India, plagued by poverty, water shortages, and high unemployment. At the same time, it is known to hold a significant portion of India's diamond deposits, so it is common for residents to lease land and try their luck at prospecting. While most mines are operated by the federal government, the state government leases out small plots of land to residents each year for a modest fee.

Residents dig in hopes of striking it rich, unable to find other work, but actual diamond discoveries are extremely rare. Mohamed said, "My father and grandfather dug this land for decades, but all they ever found was dust and pieces of quartz." Ravi Patel, the mining officer for the Panna region, commented, "The two discovered a gem-quality diamond just a few weeks after leasing the land on November 19," calling it "an unbelievably lucky case."