Lahore: Pakistan has unearthed significant gold reserves in the Indus River, valued at approximately Rs 80,000 crore. The discovery was made through a government-commissioned survey in the Attock district of Punjab province, the Dawn newspaper reported.
This find has prompted plans for extraction, potentially providing a vital boost for the cash-strapped country, added the report. The mining project will be led by the state-owned National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) and the Mines and Minerals Department of Punjab, marking a significant milestone for the country’s mining industry.
Geologists suggest that the Indus River carries gold deposits from the Himalayas, which have accumulated as placer gold or nuggets in what is now Pakistan. Due to the river’s flow, these nuggets are often flat or rounded, reported Dawn. The Indus River valley is rich in minerals and is seen as a source for gold and other precious metals.
According to a report by the Express Tribune, the State Bank of Pakistan valued the nation’s gold reserves at $5.43 billion as of December 2024. Amid falling foreign exchange reserves and a weakening currency, developing these gold reserves could provide vital financial support. If successful, this mining project could significantly boost Pakistan’s gold production and enhance its standing internationally.
