De Beers received a reconnaissance permit last week for diamond exploration in the Koderma district, in the Indian state of Jharkhand, some two years after it had first submitted the application to the state government. %% The report claims, citing sources in the mines and geology department, that the permit was delayed “because of the company’s reluctance to commit that it would cut and polish diamonds as well.” %% According to reports, Jharkhand’s chief minister Madhu Koda said, “Unless companies are willing to add value to the minerals, they cannot be allowed to take the minerals away.” He added that the government would like to follow a uniform policy of issuing permits for mineral exploration. %% The survey at Koderma will cover two areas measuring a total of 3,500 sq km.