In the Attock region of Punjab, Pakistan has uncovered substantial gold reserves along the Indus River. Ibrahim Hasan Murad, a former provincial minister, revealed that the estimated amount of gold in the area is around 2.8 million tolas, or roughly 32.6 metric tons, with a value of approximately Rs 600 billion. The gold deposits, identified by the Geological Survey of Pakistan, span a 32-kilometer stretch extending from Attock to Tarbela and Mianwali.
Controversy and Illegal Mining Hinder Exploration of Gold Reserves in Attock
The gold deposits, which have formed over millions of years where the Indus and Kabul rivers converge near Attock, become visible during winter when water levels recede, exposing gold particles mixed with river sand. However, controversy has hindered the proper exploration and development of these resources. Senior officials in the Mines and Minerals Department are reportedly resistant to exploration efforts, focusing instead on stone and sand mining. Additionally, illegal gold extraction by locals has exacerbated the issue, prompting the Punjab Home Department to impose a ban on unauthorized mining activities.
Locals in the area have long engaged in placer mining, a practice where gold is extracted from sand and gravel, particularly during the winter months. Despite the state government’s efforts to stop illegal extraction, unauthorized excavation persists, often involving the use of heavy machinery.
Government Plans to Regulate Gold Extraction in Attock Through Auctions
The government intends to regulate the extraction of placer gold deposits through auctions, pending environmental approvals and amendments to the Punjab Mining Corporation rules. A senior officer confirmed that the auction process would begin by December this year, once the necessary formalities are completed. However, the full potential of these gold reserves remains untapped until these steps are carried out.
