Punjab E News: Marking a decisive push towards transparent and regulated mineral extraction, Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today launched Crusher Owner Mining Sites in Punjab starting from district Pathankot. Sh. Goyal asserted that this initiative will ensure adequate availability of sand and aggregates in the market and further tighten enforcement to curb illegal mining across the State.
On the occasion, agreements for two Crusher Owner Mining Sites were signed in the presence of the Mining and Geology Minister, crusher owners, land owners and senior departmental officials. The Cabinet Minister informed that these two sites together will cover an area of 4.46 hectares. With the signing of these agreements, the Department has operationalised a structured framework that links mineral extraction directly with registered crushing units under approved mining plans and environmental safeguards.
He said, “Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Government is firmly committed to providing sand and other minerals at affordable prices to the people of Punjab. The operationalisation of Crusher Owner Mining Sites and Land Owner Mining Sites will significantly enhance the authorised supply of minor minerals, which in turn will stabilise and rationalise market rates.”
Sharing progress under the new mining policy, the Cabinet Minister informed that total 138 applications for Crusher Owner Mining Sites and 25 applications for Land Owner Mining Sites have been received across the State. Out of these, 44 sites covering 305.59 hectares fall within the approved District Survey Report. Environmental clearance for 14 sites covering 79.74 hectares has already been secured. Clearance for all 44 approved sites is expected by 31 March 2026, following which these sites will be made operational in a phased manner.
Sh. Goyal stated that 44 approved mining sites will be operationalised by March 31, 2026 as part of the government’s time-bound action plan to augment the legal supply of minor minerals across the State. The remaining 119 sites will be rolled out in a phased manner by this year after completion of all statutory approvals and environmental clearances. He said, this calibrated expansion will ensure steady availability of sand and gravel and aggregates in the market, strengthen regulatory oversight and further curb illegal mining activities across Punjab.
The Mining and Geology Minister asserted that increased legal supply will not only strengthen revenue generation for the State exchequer but also improve regulation of the mining sector. The Cabinet Minister categorically stated that the Mann Government follows a zero tolerance policy against illegal mining and strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in unlawful activities.
Explaining the framework, the Cabinet Minister said that a Crusher Owner Mining Site is operated by a registered crusher owner on his own land, leased land or land held through valid Power of Attorney, strictly as per the approved mining plan, District Survey Report and environmental clearance. While a Land Owner Mining Site allows a land owner to undertake mining on eligible land subject to statutory approvals and environmental compliance.
He reiterated that in future, the department will fast-track statutory clearances, ensure strict adherence to environmental norms and work in close coordination with stakeholders to promote sustainable mining practices. The initiative, the Cabinet Minister added, will support infrastructure development and contribute to economic growth across Punjab.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Engineer (Mining) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta, senior officers of the department and representatives of crushers.
