Punjab Aims to Diversify Mineral Exploration Beyond Traditional Resources, Focus on Potassium for Economic Growth

Punjab Aims to Diversify Mineral Exploration Beyond Traditional Resources, Focus on Potassium for Economic Growth

Chandigarh, September 20: Punjab’s Mining and Geology Minister, S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra, called for a strategic shift in the state’s mineral exploration efforts, urging both public and private entities to focus on high-value minerals beyond traditional resources like sand and gravel. Speaking at the “Mineral Exploration” workshop organized by the Department of Mines and Geology in collaboration with the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), Jouramajra emphasized the potential of untapped mineral wealth in Punjab, particularly highlighting the state’s recent discovery of potassium deposits. A report submitted by state geologists in July 2022 unveiled a significant deposit of 6 million tonnes of potassium in the Kabarwala village of Sri Muktsar Sahib district, positioning Punjab as the fourth state in India to find this valuable resource, primarily used in fertilizers. The Minister pointed out that India currently imports 99% of its potassium, making this discovery vital for reducing dependency and enhancing the agricultural sector. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering innovation in mining, seeing mineral exploration as a key driver of economic growth and sustainability for the state. The focus on potassium, which is crucial for fertilizers, is expected to boost both the local economy and India’s self-sufficiency in this critical resource.

Jouramajra also urged geologists from both the government and private sectors to intensify exploration efforts for valuable minerals, seeing them as essential to Punjab’s economic fortification and national development. He encouraged collaboration with private companies to push forward the exploration work, emphasizing that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government is focused on providing affordable construction materials while expanding research in the mining sector. He instructed department officials to maintain constant communication with India’s Ministry of Mining to ensure ongoing progress in the research and exploration fields without stagnation.

Key Decisions:
Focus on Potassium: Discovery of 6 million tonnes in Sri Muktsar Sahib district positions Punjab as a key contributor to India’s potassium supply, reducing imports.
Collaboration: Engagement with private companies to accelerate mineral exploration.
Continuous Research: Maintain active collaboration with the Ministry of Mining to ensure the ongoing advancement of mining research and exploration initiatives.

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