Prior to 2002, Mines & Minerals Department was functioning in the Directorate of Industries & Mineral Development Department since 1964. The independent department of Mines & Minerals was created in 2002 by the implementation of National Mineral Policy. It needs to be mentioned that National Mineral Policy, 1995 acts as a guideline for formulating the present polices of the Provincial Department of Mines & Minerals.
Mines & Minerals Department is responsible for:
- Legislation, policy formulation and planning for:
- Grant, surveys, prospecting, exploration and development of mineral resources
- Collection of rents, royalties and fees from the concessionaires
- Rehabilitation of affected mining areas/sites, implementation, monitoring and control of environment standards, infrastructure development in mining areas
- Collect, store and dissemination of mineral data, digitization of mineral/mining data
- Mines and minerals development
- Welfare of mine workers
- Marketing of minerals
- Safety of mines, oil and gas fields and their workers
- Training and skill development
- Labour laws and rules for mine workers
- Governmental functions of:
- Punjab Mineral Development Corporation
- Mines Labour Welfare Organization
- Punjab Mineral Company
- Budget, accounts and audit matters
- Purchase of stores and capital goods for the department
- Service matters except those entrusted to Services and General Administration Department