CHANDIGARH: Punjab is poised to enter a new era of mineral exploration, with potash exploration expected to commence by the end of April or the first week of May 2027. The Centre has approved 35 boreholes in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts, while the Punjab Government will drill five additional boreholes, taking the ongoing programme to 40.
Announcing this at a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal 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.
Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goya while 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, the Mines and Geology Minister said, “Punjab firmly presented its case on potash exploration and other state-specific mining issues at the national conference. Union Minister G. Kishan 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 Bhagwant Mann Government has taken up this matter seriously and is ensuring that exploration moves forward in a systematic and time-bound manner.”
Explaining the importance of the ongoing exercise, Minister Barinder Kumar 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.”
He further said, “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.”
Barinder Kumar Goyal said Punjab had also taken up the issue of early sanctions for proposed potash exploration blocks and the upgradation of geological surveys with the Union Government. “Punjab has sought early sanctions from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for potash exploration blocks proposed for 2027-28 at Patrewala, Khippanwali, Khuranj and Badian. Early approval of these blocks will help us accelerate exploration and identify additional mineral resources in the state,” he said.