CHANDIGARH, 7th November 2026:
Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal presented the state’s crucial mining issues and policy demands during the high-level Conference of Mining Ministers on Reforms in Mines and Coal Sector held in Goa on November 5-6, 2026. The national conference, chaired by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, witnessed Punjab highlighting its remarkable advancements in mining governance while seeking equitable central support for states primarily dependent on minor minerals.
The Union Minister assured complete cooperation in resolving Punjab’s concerns and agreed to examine the state’s representation regarding the SASCI framework.
During this, Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “Punjab has secured the first position among Category-C States under the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) in FY 2025-26, earning a financial incentive of ₹200 crore for its exemplary mining reforms. However, the revised criteria under SASCI 2026-27 predominantly prioritise major mineral mine auctions and their operationalisation.”
The Mines and Geology Minister stated, “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, geological limitations should not deprive a willing and reform-oriented state of financial assistance.”
He pointed out, “Punjab has consistently demonstrated its commitment to mining reforms and transparent governance. I have urged the Union Ministry of Mines to restore equal weightage for minor mineral reforms under SASCI 2026-27 or establish alternative eligibility criteria so that states like Punjab receive equitable reform-linked financial support.”
Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “Punjab has significant potential to contribute towards national mineral security. We have presented a comprehensive roadmap for potash exploration currently underway in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib, alongside hydrocarbon exploration facilitated under Mission Anveshan.”
ThePunjab Mines Minister stated, “I have requested early sanctions from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for potash exploration blocks, including those planned for 2027-28 at Patrewala, Khippanwali, Khuranj and Badian. We have also sought the upgradation of geological exploration from G-3 to G-1 in Rajpura, Gidranwali and Shergarh so that these resources become bankable and attractive for prospective investors.”
“Punjab’s 46 sq km Shergarh block has failed to attract bidders in recent auctions. I have urged the Union Ministry to encourage companies exploring the contiguous Nagaur-Ganganagar basin of Rajasthan to also participate in bidding for this block, which can unlock significant exploration potential for the state,” he added.
Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “To ensure smooth execution of exploration activities, Punjab has already established a State Level Coordination Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and a Joint Working Group to resolve land clearance issues and ensure zero operational delays for survey teams.”
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy appreciated Punjab’s progressive strides in the mining sector and assured complete cooperation in resolving all state-specific concerns. He also assured that the Ministry of Mines would actively examine Punjab’s representation regarding the SASCI framework and extend full support to expedite geological exploration and block auctions.
*Punjab’s Annual Mining Revenue Surges Nearly Sevenfold Through Technology-Driven Reforms*
Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal noted, “Punjab has emerged as a model state in digital governance and environmental stewardship in the mining sector. Through systematic integration of technology and transparent governance mechanisms, the state’s annual mining revenue has surged nearly sevenfold, from ₹123.5 crore in FY 2017-18 to ₹799 crore in FY 2025-26.”
“Under an MoU signed in March 2025, a Centre of Excellence has been established at IIT Ropar to strengthen scientific mining management. The department is undertaking DGPS, drone mapping and bathymetric surveys for river replenishment studies through this initiative. These exercises have identified 268 potential mining sites, while 13 District Survey Reports have been prepared and approved by SEIAA,” he informed.
The Minister pointed out, “The Punjab Mining Management System (PMMS) portal has established comprehensive traceability across the mining ecosystem. It integrates 447 verified crushers with smart power meters and platforms such as VAHAN, FASTag, Treasury and Pollution Control Board networks, ensuring stronger transparency and regulatory oversight.”
“Streamlined environmental clearance monitoring has reduced processing time from over a year to less than six months. As a result, the number of environmental clearances granted has increased from 15 in FY 2025-26 to 47 in FY 2026-27 so far,” he added.
The Punjab Mines Minister affirmed, “Punjab is fully prepared with the necessary institutional mechanisms and digital infrastructure to translate its exploration potential into concrete economic investment. Our objective is to ensure that scientific exploration, transparent regulation and investor-friendly policies work together to strengthen the state’s mining sector.”
*Mining Minister Holds Meeting With Senior Officials Of Union Ministry Of Mines*
On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Barinder Kumar 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 matters concerning the mining sector were discussed in detail during the meeting. A follow-up meeting on the issues deliberated upon will be scheduled shortly in Chandigarh to ensure that the discussions translate into concrete action.
Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal also highlighted Punjab’s contribution of nearly 48% wheat and 21% rice to the Central Pool. He also informed that, after nearly four decades of declining groundwater levels, Punjab witnessed a remarkable rise of 1 to 1.5 metres this year, which was widely appreciated by the dignitaries attending the conference.
