DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Mining and Geology Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra, on Friday, called for a paradigm shift in the state's mineral exploration efforts, urging both government and private entities to look beyond conventional resources like sand and gravel etc.

Speaking during the workshop on "Mineral Exploration" organized by the Department of Mines and Geology in collaboration with the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), the Cabinet Minister highlighted recent discoveries and stressed the potential for further mineral wealth in the region.

Referring to the report submitted by Punjab government geologists in July 2022 that unveiled a significant 6 million tonne potassium deposit in village Kabarwala in Sri Muktsar Sahib district, positioning Punjab as the fourth state in India to harbour this valuable resource primarily used in fertilizer production, S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra said that potassium is mostly used for fertilizers and 99 percent of potassium is imported into the country. He stated that as per the research in this area, Punjab is the fourth state in the country where potassium has been discovered.

The Cabinet Minister reiterated Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government's commitment to not only ensuring affordable construction materials for citizens but also fostering innovation and research in the mining sector. He called upon geologists from both public and private sectors to intensify their focus on exploring high-value minerals, viewing it as a catalyst for Punjab's economic fortification and national progress.

He said that this event has been organized to move forward in this direction and to conduct exploration work through private companies as well.

He urged government and private sector geologists to pay special attention to the exploration work of valuable minerals, which will make Punjab economically stronger and contribute to the progress of the state and the country.

The Cabinet Minister also asked department officials to maintain constant contact with the Ministry of Mining, Government of India to establish new horizons in this sector so that there is no stagnation in research activities.

Other dignities who attended workshop included Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary, Mines & Geology, Punjab, Dr. Shreemati Gupta, DDG, GSI. Smt. Anju C.S., Superintending Geologist, NMET, Ministry of Mines and Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer, Mining, Punjab.

The first technical session was moderated by Sh. A.K. Talwar, Director, GSI, who spoke on the Exploration done by GSI in Punjab for Potash and shared the present and future prospective of exploration of Potash in Punjab.

The second technical session was moderated by Smt Aprajita Bhattacharya, Director, GSI who spoke on "National Geochemical mapping on Environmental Studies". The technical session was followed by interaction with the NPEAs and other departmental officers/officials.
(editor@dailyworld.in)