De Beers and ACC Rio Tinto are said to be exploring for diamond reserves in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, according to Diamond World.

Initial studies have indicated a possible presence of diamond reserves in the districts of Anantpur, Mahbubnagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, Chittoor and Kurnool, notes Diamond World.

While ACC Rio Tinto holds a reconnaissance license to explore for diamond reserves in some 5,000 square kilometers in Nalgonda, De Beers has a similar license for the Mahbubnagar area.

If De Beers and ACC Rio Tinto confirm the reserves, they will need another license to proceed with production.