Punjab's Mining and Water Resources Minister, Barinder Kumar Goyal, announced on Thursday that extensive surveys have led to the discovery of large potash reserves in three mining blocks in southwest Punjab.
With these findings in Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka districts, Punjab has become the first state in India to have significant potash deposits. The key locations include Kabarwala block (Muktsar Sahib), Sherewala and Ramsara block (Fazilka), and Shergarh and Dalmir Khera block (Fazilka).
India currently imports 50 lakh tonnes of potash every year, mainly for fertilizers and industrial use. The discovery of these reserves could reduce the country's dependence on imports.
Minister Goyal assured that no land will be acquired for mining. Instead, an advanced drilling system will be used, ensuring that land ownership remains unaffected. The government is also conducting an environmental and social impact assessment before starting operations.
The potash reserves are located 450 meters underground, and surveys suggest that nearby areas may also have significant deposits. The state is continuing exploration efforts to confirm this.
Although the auctioning rights belong to the central government, Punjab will directly benefit from the royalty revenue generated. The state has already approved mining in the Kabarwala block, and extraction will begin once the central government completes the auction process.
The three potash blocks cover about 18 square kilometers, and further exploration is underway. In 2024, Punjab earned ₹288 crore from sand and gravel mining, and 104 new mining sites will soon become operational. Additionally, 27 locations along Punjab’s rivers have been identified for sand mining, Goyal added.
Also Read: Fatehgarh Sahib police bust major drug network, 6 arrested
Follow us
