The Department of Mines and Geology, Govt. of Punjab on December 01, 2025, issued the Punjab Minor Mineral (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2025, further to amend the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013.
They shall be deemed to have come into force on April 30, 2025.
The following has been stated namely: -
• The rules introduce new classifications for mining sites, including Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS) and Landowner Mining Sites (LMS), giving landowners priority rights to mine sand/gravel.
• The amendment streamlines the application process by mandating online submission, introducing Letter of Intent (LOI) with strict timelines for securing environmental clearance and Consent to Operate.
• A structured fee and security deposit system has been notified for different lease categories, along with processing timelines and documentation requirements.
• Provisions now allow transfer of leases under government approval and impose responsibility on miners to comply with environmental, safety, and extraction limits.
• Additionally, compensation mechanisms have been revised, and exemptions have been included for certain construction activities and residential properties up to defined limits.
[Notification no. - G.S.R.183/C.A.67/1957/Ss.15 and 23C/Amd.(13)/2025]
