Punjab amends Minor Mineral Policy to curb illegal mining, corruption

Punjab Cabinet approves amendments to Minor Mineral Policy to boost supply, reduce illegal mining, and lower consumer prices.

The Punjab Cabinet on Thursday (April 3, 2025) approved amendments to the Punjab Minor Mineral Policy, which aims to enhance supply of raw materials in the market, reduce illegal mining and corruption, according to an official statement.

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A decision in this regard was taken in the Cabinet meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The statement further said that the amendments to the policy would also reduce consumer prices for the public, increase State revenues, and eliminate any potential monopoly in the mining sector.

“The amendment stipulates Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS), thereby enabling crusher owners who possess land with gravel to now obtain a mining lease. This move is expected to curb the illegal transportation of material from other states and increase the availability of crushed sand and gravel (bajri) in the market, which are essential for development activities in the state,” it said.

It added, “Similarly, Landowner Mining Sites (LMS) will facilitate the Landowners with land containing sand deposits to apply for a mining lease and sell the material in the open market at the government’s notified rates.”

Previously, many mining sites remained non-operational due to lack of consent from landowners as they were unwilling to allow unknown individuals to mine their land. The introduction of LMS will increase the number of operational mining sites, which will in turn boost market supply and state revenue. This move will also prevent monopolies in the mining sector, the statement added.