Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has sought a fair share for the state under the Centre's mining reform framework, highlighting the need for equal financial assistance to states primarily dependent on minor minerals.
Goyal raised Punjab's concerns and policy demands during the two-day Conference of Mining Ministers on Reforms in the Mines and Coal Sector held in Goa on November 5-6, 2026. The conference was chaired by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, who assured full cooperation in addressing the state's concerns.
The Union Minister also assured that the Ministry of Mines would examine Punjab's representation regarding the State Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) framework.
During the conference, Goyal said Punjab had secured the first position among Category-C states under the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) for FY 2025-26, earning a financial incentive of ₹200 crore for its mining reforms.
However, he pointed out that the revised SASCI criteria for 2026-27 primarily focus on major mineral mine auctions and their operationalisation.
He said Punjab is primarily a minor mineral state, with sand, gravel and earth forming the backbone of its mining sector to meet civil construction requirements. Since the state currently has no operational major mineral sites, its geological limitations should not deprive it of financial assistance.
Goyal urged the Union Ministry of Mines to restore equal weightage for minor mineral reforms under SASCI 2026-27 or introduce alternative eligibility criteria to ensure equitable reform-linked financial support for states like Punjab.
Punjab Seeks Faster Exploration of Potash Reserves
Highlighting the state's mineral exploration potential, Goyal presented a roadmap for potash exploration currently underway in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib, along with hydrocarbon exploration facilitated under Mission Anveshan.
He sought early sanctions from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for potash exploration blocks proposed for 2027-28 at Patrewala, Khippanwali, Khuranj and Badian.
The minister also requested the upgradation of geological exploration from G-3 to G-1 in Rajpura, Gidranwali and Shergarh to make these resources commercially viable and attractive to prospective investors.
Referring to the 46-square-kilometre Shergarh block, which failed to attract bidders in previous auctions, Goyal urged the Centre to encourage companies exploring the adjoining Nagaur-Ganganagar basin of Rajasthan to participate in its bidding.
He said Punjab had already established a State Level Coordination Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and a Joint Working Group to address land clearance issues and ensure smooth exploration activities without operational delays.
Punjab's Mining Revenue Jumps Nearly Sevenfold
Highlighting the achievements of the state government, Goyal said Punjab's annual mining revenue had increased nearly sevenfold, from ₹123.5 crore in FY 2017-18 to ₹799 crore in FY 2025-26.
He attributed the growth to technology-driven reforms, digital monitoring and transparent governance mechanisms.
Under an MoU signed in March 2025, a Centre of Excellence has been established at IIT Ropar to strengthen scientific mining management. The initiative includes DGPS, drone mapping and bathymetric surveys for river replenishment studies.
These exercises have identified 268 potential mining sites, while 13 District Survey Reports have been prepared and approved by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
The Punjab Mining Management System (PMMS) portal has also strengthened monitoring and traceability across the mining sector. It integrates 447 verified crushers with smart power meters and platforms such as VAHAN, FASTag, Treasury and Pollution Control Board networks.
Goyal further said that streamlined environmental clearance monitoring had reduced processing time from over a year to less than six months. The number of environmental clearances granted increased from 15 in FY 2025-26 to 47 in FY 2026-27 so far.
Goyal Meets Senior Officials of Union Ministry of Mines
On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal also held a meeting with senior officials of the Union Ministry of Mines to discuss various issues concerning Punjab's mining sector.
The meeting was attended by Dr Veena Kumari Dermal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines; Dinesh Ganvir, Director General of Mines; and Yogendra Singh Bhamboo, Director (Technical), Ministry of Mines.
Various state-specific issues were discussed in detail. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled shortly in Chandigarh to ensure that the discussions translate into concrete action.
Goyal said Punjab was committed to strengthening scientific exploration, transparent regulation and investor-friendly policies to unlock the state's mineral potential and boost economic investment.
