Chandigarh, 26 February 2026: In a major step toward regulated and transparent mineral extraction, Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal on Wednesday launched Crusher Owner Mining Sites in the state, beginning from district Pathankot. The initiative aims to increase the legal availability of sand, gravel and aggregates while tightening enforcement against illegal mining activities across Punjab.
On the occasion, agreements for two Crusher Owner Mining Sites were formally signed in the presence of the Minister, crusher owners, landowners and senior departmental officials. These two sites together cover an area of 4.46 hectares. With these agreements, the department has operationalised a structured framework linking mineral extraction directly with registered crushing units under approved mining plans and environmental safeguards.
Boosting Legal Supply of Minor Minerals
The Minister stated that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is committed to ensuring sand and other minor minerals are available to the public at affordable rates. The operationalisation of Crusher Owner Mining Sites and Land Owner Mining Sites is expected to enhance authorised supply, stabilise market prices and reduce dependency on illegal sources.
Progress Under the New Mining Policy
Sharing details, Sh. Goyal informed that 138 applications for Crusher Owner Mining Sites and 25 applications for Land Owner Mining Sites have been received across the state. Of these, 44 sites covering 305.59 hectares fall within the approved District Survey Report framework.
Environmental clearance for 14 sites covering 79.74 hectares has already been secured. Clearance for all 44 approved sites is expected by 31 March 2026, after which they will be made operational in a phased manner.
44 Sites to Become Operational by March 31
As part of the government’s time-bound action plan, 44 approved mining sites will be operationalised by March 31, 2026. The remaining 119 sites will be rolled out in phases during the year after completion of statutory approvals and environmental clearances.
The Minister said this calibrated expansion will ensure steady availability of sand and aggregates in the market, strengthen regulatory oversight and significantly curb illegal mining across Punjab.
Zero Tolerance Policy Against Illegal Mining
Reiterating the government’s stance, the Mining Minister asserted that the state follows a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining. Strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in unlawful extraction or transportation of minerals.
Explaining the mechanism, the Minister said that a Crusher Owner Mining Site is operated by a registered crusher owner on his own land, leased land, or land held through a valid Power of Attorney, strictly as per the approved mining plan, District Survey Report and environmental clearance.
Similarly, a Land Owner Mining Site allows a landowner to undertake mining on eligible land subject to statutory approvals and environmental compliance.
Revenue and Infrastructure Impact
The Minister emphasised that increasing the legal supply of minor minerals will strengthen revenue generation for the state exchequer while improving regulation in the mining sector. The initiative is also expected to support infrastructure development and contribute to economic growth across Punjab.
The department has assured that future operations will prioritise faster statutory clearances, strict environmental compliance and coordinated engagement with stakeholders to promote sustainable mining practices.
