Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, January 25-
Punjab Mining Minister Barinder Goyal participated in the 3rd National Mining Ministers' Conference held at Konark, Odisha. The conference was attended by the Union Mining Minister, representatives from 11 states, and senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, Goyal highlighted Punjab’s unique approach to mining, stating that unlike other states where mining occurs deep underground, Punjab’s mining activities are conducted above the surface.The Minister emphasized that Punjab is optimally utilising its natural resources and just like the state has, over the years, responsibly expanded its agricultural activities to feed the entire nation, the state is responsibly mining its natural resources to add to the economy.
The Minister underscored Punjab’s efforts to bring transparency to mining by establishing public mining sites, enabling access to affordable sand for common citizens while generating employment for local labor and youth.
During the conference, Mr. Goyal raised concerns about recent directives from the Ministry of Defence requiring prior clearance for mining activities within 20 km of the border. He termed the decision discriminatory.