- Web Desk
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Punjab govt confirms discovery of massive gold reserves in Attock
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- Web Desk
- Jan 14, 2025
LAHORE: The Punjab government has confirmed the presence of gold reserves worth Rs800 billion in Attock, with a recent survey verifying deposits at the confluence of the Kabul and Indus rivers.
According to officials, it took the provincial government a year to confirm the discovery of gold reserves in Attock. After initial findings by the Geological Survey of Pakistan in February 2024, NESPAK was also tasked with verifying the presence of gold.
Former provincial minister for mines Ibrahim Hassan Murad announced the discovery of the gold reserves in Attock on Feb 7, 2024. He informed the media that the total amount of the gold reserves is 2.8 million tolas, and a conservative estimate suggests they will generate Rs600-700 billion in revenue for the province.
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He said that the GSP report on the matter is complete, and nine blocks of placer gold have been identified, which will soon be auctioned. Placer gold refers to gold found in riverbeds or streams.
Murad said the GSP examined 127 samples, which also indicated the presence of zinc, silver, nickel, manganese, copper, and other metals along with gold.
He added that research on the placer gold reserves covered an area of 75 square kilometers, including parts of the Indus River and its tributaries.
Last week, Murad took to X to reiterate the discovery of gold reserves worth Rs800 billion in Attock.
According to him, the 2.8 million tolas of gold reserves are spread across a 32-kilometer stretch in Attock. “This revelation, validated by the Geological Survey of Pakistan, highlights the immense potential of Punjab’s natural resources,” he said, adding, “This milestone marks a significant step towards unlocking Pakistan’s mineral wealth, setting the stage for economic revitalization and new opportunities for future generations.”
Days after his claims, Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani announced that after thorough confirmation, the government has decided to auction mining rights at an international level.
A high-level committee from the Punjab government is scheduled to meet Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz tomorrow (Thursday) to brief her on the discovery of gold reserves in Attock.
He said that the discovery of gold deposits is a historic achievement and a great opportunity for the development of the mining sector in Punjab.