Pakistan is witnessing an incredible discovery that could change the future of its economy. The country has found vast reserves of gold in Punjab, which has left many excited about the potential benefits. According to a statement by the Provincial Minister for Mines, Sher Ali Gocharni, a recent survey confirmed the presence of gold deposits in the Attock region. This discovery is estimated to hold about 28 lakh tola (28 million tolas) of gold.
The geological survey team from Pakistan has worked hard to confirm these reserves. Their report highlights that these gold deposits are located near the confluence of the Kabul and Indus rivers. Additionally, the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) has verified the findings, adding credibility to the discovery.
In the coming days, the Punjab Chief Minister will be briefed on the new gold reserves, and a high-level committee will be formed to oversee the process of auctioning the gold. The cabinet will need to approve this initiative for it to move forward.
However, while this discovery brings hope for economic growth, there are also some environmental concerns related to mining activities. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically in the city of Kohat, there have been reports of mercury contamination in the water due to its use in gold mining. Mercury, when burned during the mining process, has been found to poison the local water supply, causing severe health risks for the residents.
A petition has been filed in the Peshawar High Court against the use of mercury in gold mining, emphasizing that it is banned in many countries around the world due to its harmful effects on both health and the environment. The petitioners have urged the court to take action against the use of mercury in Pakistan’s gold mining industry to protect public health and the environment.
After hearing the petition, the Peshawar High Court decided to ban the use of mercury in gold mining. The court has also summoned officials from the Department of Mines to appear before the court in the next hearing to discuss how to enforce the ban effectively.
This situation reflects the need for a balanced approach when it comes to exploiting natural resources like gold. While the discovery of such valuable reserves is a promising development for Pakistan’s economy, it’s essential that the process is handled with care, ensuring that environmental and public health concerns are addressed. As the gold mining industry continues to grow, it’s crucial to adopt cleaner and safer methods that can protect both the people and the environment.
