Pakistan has reportedly discovered significant gold deposits in the Indus River, sparking excitement about the potential economic benefits.
The Indus River
The Indus River is one of the oldest and longest rivers in the world, playing a vital role in the development of one of the earliest civilizations. The Indus Valley Civilization flourished along its banks between 3300 and 1300 BCE, marking an era of great prosperity.
As per a recent report presented by India(dot)com, before the 1947 partition, the Indus River was entirely within India, where it was central to the rise of the Indus Valley Civilization. Today, it flows through both India and Pakistan, continuing to hold immense historical and cultural significance for both nations.
Media reports reveal that the river, particularly in Pakistan’s Punjab province near Attock, is said to be carrying gold deposits. This discovery has sparked widespread attention, as experts estimate the gold’s value to be around 600 billion Pakistani rupees. If verified, this finding could bring significant economic benefits to the region and potentially reshape the financial landscape of the country.
Gold deposits from the Himalayas
According to a report by Nav Bharat Times, the gold found in the Indus River is believed to originate from the northern mountainous regions of Pakistan, specifically the Himalayas. The process began millions of years ago when the collision of tectonic plates formed the mountains, causing erosion and releasing gold particles into the river. These particles are carried by the fast-moving waters of the Indus, eventually accumulating in the riverbed over time.
This natural process, known as placer gold deposits, has led to the accumulation of large quantities of gold in certain areas of the river. As per reports by various media outlets, including Nav Bharat Times and Daily Parliament Times, the Attock district, in particular, is said to have gold spread over a 32-kilometer stretch, with estimates suggesting a total of 32.6 metric tons of gold worth approximately 600 billion Pakistani rupees.
Illegal mining and government action
With news of the discovery spreading, local residents have begun mining the riverbed, particularly during the winter months when water levels are lower, making gold particles more accessible. However, this mining is largely illegal, with heavy machinery often used for extraction. According to Nav Bharat Times, the Pakistani government has enforced Section 144, a legal measure designed to prevent illegal mining.
As reported by Nav Bharat Times and Daily Parliament Times, although the initial findings are promising, senior officials in the Mines and Minerals Department are reportedly obstructing efforts to explore and tap into these resources. Instead of focusing on gold exploration, they are allegedly directing attention toward allocating these sites for sand and stone zinc mining operations.
Economic impact: Can gold be extracted to change Pakistan’s fortune?
Whether this gold can be extracted or not remains uncertain, as no official statement has been released by the authorities. However, the gold reserves in the Indus River could provide Pakistan with a significant economic advantage. With an estimated value of 600 billion rupees, this newfound wealth could help alleviate some of the country’s financial challenges, including its national debt. If mined responsibly, these gold deposits could generate substantial revenue for the government and contribute to the country’s economic recovery.
In addition to providing a financial boost, the gold extraction process could also create jobs and stimulate local economies, especially in areas like Attock. However, for this to happen, the government must ensure that mining activities are well-regulated, legal, and sustainable.
