Potash exploration to begin in Punjab by May 2027: Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal
Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal stated that the central government has approved 35 boreholes for potash exploration in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts.
Potash exploration work in Punjab is expected to begin by the end of April or the first week of May 2027. Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal shared this information during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh.
The minister stated that the central government has approved 35 boreholes in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts. In addition, the Punjab government will drill 5 more boreholes on its own, bringing the total number to 40 under the ongoing program.
According to Barinder Kumar Goyal, out of the boreholes approved by the Centre, drilling for 20 is being conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and 15 by the Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL). Some boreholes have been completed and work on the rest is underway. The report on the ongoing drilling is expected by February 2027.
The minister said that potash reserves in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib were first found in 1989, but successive governments did not carry out continuous exploration. India is entirely dependent on imports for potash, and this exploration will help reduce the country's dependence. He stated that a special laboratory is also being set up in Mohali to test potash and heavy metals.
Referring to the National Mining Ministers' Conference held in Goa on November 5 and 6, Goyal stated that Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy has directed senior officials to prioritize Punjab's proposals. The state has sought approval from the National Mineral Exploration Trust for blocks in Patrewala, Khippanwali, Khuranj, and Badiyan, and requested a G-3 to G-1 level geological survey in Rajpura, Gidhranwali, and Shergarh.
Goyal also stated that Punjab secured the first place in the 2025 mining reform evaluation, receiving a reward of Rs 200 crore. To expedite ground approvals and exploration work, a state-level coordination committee and a joint working group have been formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary.
Key developments
- Central government approved 35 boreholes for potash exploration in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib
- Punjab government to drill 5 more boreholes, taking the total count to 40
- Drilling report to arrive by February 2027 and exploration expected to start by May 2027
- Laboratory being set up in Mohali for testing potash and heavy metals
