Punjab Government Launches Crusher Owner Mining Sites to Enhance Legal Sand Supply
In a significant move to regulate the mining sector, Punjab's Mining and Geology Minister, Barinder Kumar Goyal, officially launched crusher owner mining sites in the state on Thursday. The initiative commenced from Pathankot district, marking a pivotal step towards ensuring adequate availability of sand and aggregates in the market while intensifying efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
Structured Framework for Mineral Extraction
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Minister Goyal emphasized that this new framework will operationalize a structured system linking mineral extraction directly with registered crushing units. "These sites will operate under approved mining plans and stringent environmental safeguards," he stated. During the launch event, agreements for two such sites were signed in the presence of Goyal, crusher owners, land owners, and senior departmental officials.
"The two sites together cover an area of 4.46 hectares, setting a precedent for future developments," Goyal explained. He highlighted that the operationalization of crusher owner mining sites is expected to significantly enhance the authorized supply of minor minerals, which will help stabilize and rationalize market rates, benefiting both consumers and the industry.
Details of the New Mining Policy
Under the newly implemented mining policy, the state has received a total of 138 applications for crusher owner mining sites and 25 applications for land owner mining sites from across Punjab. Out of these, 44 sites covering 305.59 hectares have been identified as falling within the approved district survey report. Environmental clearance has already been secured for 14 sites spanning 79.74 hectares, with clearance for all 44 approved sites anticipated by March 31.
Goyal outlined the phased rollout plan, stating, "Following the completion of statutory approvals and environmental clearances, these 44 sites will be made operational in a phased manner. The remaining 119 sites are scheduled to be rolled out by the end of this year." This approach ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements while expediting the process to boost legal mining operations.
Zero-Tolerance Against Illegal Mining
The minister reiterated the government's firm stance against illegal mining, declaring a zero-tolerance policy. "Strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in unlawful activities," he warned. Goyal added that the increased legal supply from these sites will not only strengthen revenue generation for the state exchequer but also improve overall regulation of the mining sector, promoting transparency and sustainability.
Explaining the framework further, Goyal detailed that a crusher owner mining site is operated by a registered crusher owner on their own land, leased land, or land held through a valid power of attorney, strictly adhering to approved plans and environmental clearances. Similarly, a land owner mining site allows landowners to undertake mining on eligible land, subject to statutory approvals and environmental compliance.
This initiative is poised to transform Punjab's mining landscape by ensuring a steady, legal supply of minerals, curbing illegal practices, and fostering economic growth through enhanced regulatory measures.
