The Department of Mines and Minerals has announced a plan regarding the auction of valuable Pink Rock Salt reserves in Punjab. According to this plan, it is estimated that bids worth 100 billion rupees will be expected over the next two years from the auctions of these precious Himalayan Pink Salt minerals. The Department, under the guidance of the Chief Minister of Punjab, has devised a comprehensive action plan led by the Minister of Mines and Minerals and the Chief Secretary of Punjab. This action plan covers an area of one hundred and thirty-one thousand acres. Additionally, the Department has also initiated work on the geographical indication of Punjab's unique salt. Due to the geographical indication, no other country can use the name "Pink Rock Salt."
These thoughts were expressed by Secretary of Mines and Minerals, Babar Aman Babar. Stating that through the geographical indication, the establishment of a Pink Rock Salt processing industry in Punjab will become possible. This geographical indication will bring tremendous benefits to the economy and provide employment opportunities for the people. Himalayan Pink Rock Salt is in high demand worldwide, but in the past, its resources could not be properly utilized. These Pink Rock Salt reserves are a divine gift, exclusive to Punjab, Pakistan. These valuable reserves are located in the districts of Chakwal, Khushab, Mianwali, and Jhelum. They extend over a length of 200 kilometers and have a width of 15 kilometers.
The Department is also assessing the performance of the areas previously allocated for salt mining. The current government has also put an end to illegal salt mining practices.