Chandigarh: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has approved historic reforms in the mining sector by amending the Punjab Minor Mineral Policy to ensure transparency, curb illegal mining and corruption, boost state revenue, and make raw materials affordable for consumers. The Cabinet-approved reforms aim to address long-standing shortages of legal mining supply, eliminate monopolies, modernize auction systems, and simplify regulatory procedures, marking a major shift towards citizen-friendly governance.
Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the government has adopted a strategic approach to bring mining activities into the legal framework rather than only focusing on enforcement. New categories such as Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS) and Land-Owner Mining Sites (LMS) have been introduced to increase the availability of sand and gravel, empower local industries and farmers, reduce dependence on other states, and strengthen infrastructure development. He said these measures will also create employment, improve industry efficiency, and lower prices for consumers.
The reforms also include faster approvals, mission-mode environmental clearances, and the launch of Punjab’s first transparent online mining auction process in three years. In the first phase, 29 sites were auctioned, generating ₹11.61 crore in revenue, while over 200 new mining sites are being surveyed and are expected to become operational between December 2025 and March 2026. Officials said the comprehensive reforms reflect the government’s commitment to legal, transparent, and people-centric management of Punjab’s natural resources, with strict action against any illegal mining activities.
