Salt Mines History
Historical Background
The discovery of rock salt dates back to the time of Alexander the Great in 326 B.C. During his campaign against Raja Porus near the Jhelum River, Alexander’s horses licked the outcropping salt, leading to the identification of the Khewra salt deposits. This area is one of the largest and richest salt fields in the world. The salt range stretches over 186 miles (300 kilometers) long and 8 to 30 kilometers wide, with an average elevation of 2,200 feet. It extends from Baganwala near the Jhelum River to Kalabagh near the Indus River. The Khewra gorge is often referred to as the “Museum of Geology,” showcasing rocks from the Pre-Cambrian era to the present. Before the British annexation of Punjab, the mines were owned and operated by the Janjua Rajas. Following the annexation, the British government assumed control of these mines.
The Historical Mining of Khewra Salt
Centuries ago, salt was harvested from the outcroppings of salt seams by local inhabitants. In 1872, Dr. Warth, a renowned mining engineer from the UK, established the main tunnel at ground level to provide easier access to the salt deposits. The scientific mining method he introduced remains in use today. Currently, there are 17 levels in the Khewra Mines, and under this systematic approach, only 50% of the salt is extracted from the working seam, while the other 50% is left as pillars to support the mine.
The highest point in the region is Sakesar Mountain, which stands at approximately 4,990 feet. Another notable salt range in the country is the Kohat saline series, beginning at Jatta Ismaeel Khel and extending across the hilly terrain up to Bahadur Khel in District Karak.
Rock Salt Production
The Khewra Salt Mines are the second-largest rock salt mines in the world, boasting reserves of approximately 220 million tonnes. Currently, the mines produce about 370,000 tonnes of salt annually. The Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) Soda Ash Plant was established in 1938, and rock salt from Khewra is supplied to ICI Khewra, Ittehad Chemical Limited in Faisalabad, various tanneries, and other industries. High-quality salt is also distributed to dealers for human and animal consumption. After fulfilling local demands, a significant quantity is exported to countries including India.
The potential for expansion in local consumption and exports is tremendous. Decorative items such as lamps, vases, and ashtrays made from Khewra rock salt are produced and exported in large quantities to foreign markets.