Pakistan Strikes Gold! ₹80,000 Crore Reserves Discovered in Indus River

 Pakistan Discovers Massive Gold Reserves in Indus River: Economic Boost on the Horizon

Islamabad, March 3, 2025 – In a groundbreaking discovery, Pakistan has identified vast gold reserves in the Indus River, valued at an estimated ₹80,000 crore. This revelation comes as the country grapples with dwindling foreign reserves, which had dropped to $5.43 billion as of December 2024.

The discovery was made through a government-commissioned survey in the Attock district of Punjab province, igniting hopes of a significant economic turnaround. With proper extraction and management, these reserves could provide much-needed relief to Pakistan’s struggling economy.

Gold Discovery in Indus River: Key Details

The mining initiative is spearheaded by National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) in collaboration with the Mines and Minerals Department of Punjab. The survey uncovered nine potential gold mining blocks along the Indus River, paving the way for extensive extraction plans.

Zargham Eshaq Khan, the Managing Director of NESPAK, stated, “We are currently working on consultancy services for preparing bidding documents and transaction advisory services for nine placer gold blocks along the Indus River in Attock.” This marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s mining sector, setting the stage for large-scale gold extraction.

How the Gold Reserves Can Transform Pakistan’s Economy

This discovery is being seen as a potential game-changer for Pakistan, which is currently facing economic hardships due to rising inflation, mounting external debts, and currency depreciation. If efficiently managed, the reserves could:

• Strengthen Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves

• Create thousands of jobs in the mining sector

• Reduce reliance on imported gold

• Boost investor confidence and economic growth

Experts believe that the extraction and processing of these gold reserves could take several years, but the long-term economic benefits could be substantial.

What is Placer Gold Mining?

The gold reserves found in the Indus River are categorized as placer gold deposits—gold that has been naturally eroded and accumulated in riverbeds. Placer mining involves extracting gold particles from river sediments using advanced dredging and separation techniques.

Challenges in Gold Extraction

While the discovery is promising, extracting the gold will not be without challenges. Experts cite the following hurdles:

1. Environmental Concerns: Mining operations must comply with environmental regulations to prevent water pollution and ecosystem disruption.

2. Infrastructure Development: Establishing mining facilities and transportation networks will require substantial investment.

3. Government Policies: Clear policies and transparency in the bidding process will be crucial for attracting investors.

4. Illegal Mining Risks: The government must ensure strict regulation to prevent illegal mining activities.

International Investors Eye Pakistan’s Gold Reserves

Following the announcement, global mining companies and investors have shown interest in partnering with Pakistan for the extraction process. If executed properly, this could lead to foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, further stabilizing Pakistan’s economic condition.

FAQs on Pakistan’s Gold Discovery in Indus River

Q1: How much gold has been discovered in the Indus River? A: The estimated value of the gold reserves is around ₹80,000 crore, but the exact quantity is still being evaluated.

Q2: Where exactly was the gold found? A: The reserves were identified along the Indus River in the Attock district of Punjab province.

Q3: Who is managing the mining project? A: The project is being led by National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) and the Mines and Minerals Department of Punjab.

Q4: How will this discovery benefit Pakistan? A: The gold reserves could strengthen foreign exchange reserves, create jobs, reduce import dependency, and attract foreign investment.

Q5: When will the gold extraction begin? A: The extraction process is still in the early stages, with bidding documents and transaction advisory services being prepared. The mining operations could take several years to commence.

Q6: Can Pakistan export this gold? A: Yes, if efficiently managed, the extracted gold can be refined and exported, generating significant revenue for the country.

Future Prospects: Pakistan’s Potential to Become a Major Gold Producer

With this discovery, Pakistan joins the list of countries with substantial gold reserves. If proper policies, infrastructure, and technology are implemented, the country could become a key player in the global gold market.

Government officials are optimistic, stating that the reserves could provide Pakistan with a much-needed financial boost and help stabilize the economy.