Chandigarh, Punjab: In a decisive move to promote transparent and regulated mineral extraction, Punjab’s Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today inaugurated Crusher Owner Mining Sites in Pathankot, marking a significant step in strengthening legal supply of sand, gravel, and aggregates across the state.
Minister Goyal stated that the initiative aims to ensure adequate availability of sand and aggregates, stabilise market rates, and curb illegal mining activities across Punjab.
Operational Framework and Agreements
Agreements for two Crusher Owner Mining Sites covering 4.46 hectares were signed in the presence of the Minister, crusher owners, landowners, and senior officials. These sites are now part of a structured framework linking mineral extraction to registered crushing units under approved mining plans with environmental safeguards.
Goyal emphasized that the Mann Government is committed to providing minerals at affordable prices, with operationalization of Crusher Owner and Land Owner Mining Sites increasing the legal supply of minor minerals.
ਦੋ ਮਾਈਨਿੰਗ ਸਾਈਟਾਂ ਦੇ ਇਕਰਾਰਨਾਮੇ ਸੰਬੰਧੀ ਸਮਾਗਮ ‘ਚ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ ਕੈਬਿਨੇਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਬਰਿੰਦਰ ਕੁਮਾਰ ਗੋਇਲ, ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਤੋਂ Live https://t.co/lwJEwQJBx3
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Progress Under the New Mining Policy
The Minister highlighted that Punjab has received 138 applications for Crusher Owner Mining Sites and 25 applications for Land Owner Mining Sites. Currently, 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 obtained, and all 44 sites are expected to be operational by March 31, 2026. The remaining 119 sites will be rolled out in phases after completing statutory approvals and environmental clearances.
Regulatory Oversight and Sustainable Mining
Minister Goyal reiterated that Crusher Owner Mining Sites are operated by registered crusher owners on legally eligible land following approved mining plans, environmental clearances, and statutory approvals. Similarly, Land Owner Mining Sites allow landowners to mine on eligible land under regulatory compliance.
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The Minister added that this initiative will strengthen revenue generation, support infrastructure development, and promote sustainable mining practices, while the state government continues its zero tolerance policy against illegal mining.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Officials and representatives, including Chief Engineer (Mining) Hardeep Singh Mendiratta, senior officers of the department, and crusher representatives, were present during the launch. The government aims to fast-track statutory clearances, ensure environmental compliance, and maintain strong coordination with stakeholders to promote safe and transparent mining operations.