New Delhi/Chandigarh: Punjab is poised to enter a new era of mineral survey, as potash exploration is expected to begin by the end of April or the first week of May 2027, state Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said on Tuesday.
The Centre has approved 35 boreholes in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts, and the Punjab government will drill five additional boreholes, taking the ongoing programme to 40, he said.
The Bhagwant Mann government has consistently pursued the matter with the Centre to unlock Punjab's untapped mineral potential and strengthen India's self-reliance in critical minerals, Goyal said.
Sharing the outcome of the two-day National Mining Ministers' Conference held in Goa on November 5 and 6 under the chairmanship of Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Goyal said, "Punjab firmly presented its case on potash exploration and other state-specific mining issues at the national conference".
"Union Minister Reddy directed senior officials to accord top priority to Punjab's proposals and assured full cooperation in expediting the exploration process. This is a significant step towards unlocking Punjab's mineral potential and strengthening the country's mineral security."
Highlighting the neglect of potash exploration by successive governments, he said, "Potash deposits in parts of Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib were discovered as far back as 1989, but successive governments failed to undertake any sustained exploration work".
Only a handful of boreholes were drilled over the years, including one during 2018-19 and eight during 2022-23. The state government has taken up this matter seriously and is ensuring that exploration moves forward in a systematic and time-bound manner, he said.
Explaining the importance of the ongoing exercise, Goyal said, "Drilling boreholes is essential to ascertain the depth, quantity, quality and geological characteristics of potash deposits. Potash is a critical mineral for which India has almost 100 per cent import dependency. Domestic exploration is therefore vital to reducing our dependence on imports and strengthening the country's mineral security".
Detailing the progress achieved following Punjab's repeated interventions, he said, "Following our persistent efforts and repeated representations at national-level meetings, the Union Government has approved 35 boreholes in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts".
Of these, 20 are being drilled by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), while 15 are being undertaken by Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL). The Punjab government will drill five additional boreholes, taking the ongoing programme to 40. Some boreholes have already been completed, while work on the others is progressing.
"Reports from the ongoing drilling activities are expected by February 2027. This will pave the way for potash exploration to commence by the end of April or the first week of May next year. The state has also planned 16 additional boreholes for 2026-27 with the approval of the Central government, demonstrating our commitment to taking mineral exploration forward," he said.
On the demand for upgrading geological surveys, he added, "We have requested the upgradation of geological exploration from G-3 to G-1 in Rajpura, Gidranwali and Shergarh. This is necessary to establish the commercial viability of mineral resources and make these areas attractive for prospective investors".
Highlighting the potential of the Shergarh block, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, "The 46-square-kilometre Shergarh block in Punjab has failed to attract bidders in recent auctions. We have urged the Union Ministry to encourage companies exploring the contiguous Nagaur-Ganganagar basin of Rajasthan to also participate in bidding for Shergarh. This approach can help unlock significant exploration potential and attract investment into Punjab".
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