Breaking: Gold Discovered in Pakistan’s Hills – Locals Celebrate New Treasure

Pakistan has made significant strides in its mining sector with two major gold discoveries — one in Chagai, Balochistan, and the other along the Indus River in Attock, Punjab. These findings hold the potential to reshape the country’s economic landscape.

Massive Gold Reserve Found in Punjab

A significant gold discovery has been made along a 32-kilometer stretch of the Indus River in Attock, Punjab. Valued at approximately ₹80,000 crore (around PKR 600 billion or $2.1 billion), this deposit consists of placer gold — naturally occurring particles transported from the Himalayan region by river flow. Geological studies suggest the area holds nearly 2.8 million tolas, equal to 32.6 metric tons of gold. The project is currently being carried out under the supervision of National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) in collaboration with Punjab’s Mines and Minerals Department.

Reko Diq: Balochistan’s Treasure Trove

In Chagai, Balochistan, the Reko Diq mining site is home to one of the world’s largest reserves of gold and copper. It is estimated to hold over $60 billion worth of minerals, including 60 million ounces of gold (about 1,700 metric tons).

Key Details at a Glance

• Locations:
  • Balochistan (gold and copper in Chagai)
  • Punjab (placer gold in Indus River, Attock)
• Estimated Value:
  • Indus River gold: ₹80,000 crore (~$2.1 billion)
  • Reko Diq reserves: Over $60 billion
• Quantities:
  • Indus River: 32.6 metric tons of gold
  • Reko Diq holds an estimated 60 million ounces of gold, equivalent to about 1,700 metric tons.
• Current Reserves:
  • By December 2024, Pakistan’s official gold reserves amounted to 64.74 tonnes, with a total value of approximately $5.43 billion.

Economic and Strategic Importance

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the strategic importance of these discoveries during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. He emphasized that tapping into these resources could reduce reliance on international loans, especially from the IMF, and bring economic stability of pakistan.

Sharif also mentioned that partnerships with international firms and countries like Oman, which could assist in gold refining, are crucial. He envisions these mineral assets attracting global investment, supporting supply chain diversification, and boosting Pakistan’s economic resilience amid high inflation and dwindling reserves.

Other Notable Discoveries

• Antimony in Balochistan:
• A rare metal used in electronics and defense, discovered by OGDCL and PMDC.
• Mineral-Rich Blocks in Gilgit-Baltistan:
• Surveys confirmed at least 10 blocks with deposits of gold, copper, nickel, and cobalt.
• Oil & Gas Developments:
• Mari Energies Limited recently discovered three new sites producing crude oil and natural gas.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, Pakistan faces hurdles in realizing this potential:

• Major mining projects need large investments, stable regulations, and robust infrastructure.
• Illegal mining in Punjab and ongoing conflict in Balochistan could hamper progress.
• Environmental concerns and political uncertainty may also slow down development.

The Road Forward

These mineral discoveries offer a much-needed opportunity for Pakistan to revitalize its economy. Whether the country can turn these resources into long-term growth will depend on how effectively it manages governance, security, and environmental protection in the coming months.