Khewra Salt Mine

INTRODUCTION

Khewra Salt Mines is situated at the distance of 160 km from Islamabad and 260 km from Lahore in Tehsil Pind Dadan Khan District Jhelum. It has easy approach via Lahore – Islamabad Motorway through Lilla Interchange. It is a tourist attraction, with up to 40000 visitors per year.

HISTORY

Discovery of Rock Salt dates back to days of Alexander the great. It was in the year 1872, when scientific mining operation started under the British rule. Prior to annexation of Punjab by the British Empire in the year 1849, the salt mines in the province were owned and operated by the Janjua Rajas, and after its annexation, the British Government took over the administration of these mines. Centuries ago, salt was take out at these mines from the out-crops of the salt seams exposed to the surface of the hill by those who were living in its vicinity. Dr. Warth, a renowned Mining Engineer of UK, laid out the main tunnel at ground level in 1872 to have an easy and direct approach to salt deposits. The new system introduced by Dr. Warth is still in-vogue.

CURRENT STATUS

Khewra Salt Mines have 19 levels at present with the systematic workings. Only 50% of salt is excavated from the working seam while the remaining 50% is left as pillars.

PRODUCTION OF ROCK SALT

Khewra Salt Mines produce about 3,25,000 tonnes salt per annum. Major portion of production in the range of 2,00,000 to 2,40,000 tonnes annually is supplied to Imperial Chemical Industries ICI Soda Ash Khewra. Based on Khewra salt ICI Soda Ash Plant was established in 1938. Rock Salt produced from Khewra Mines besides ICI Khewra is supplied to other Industrial consumers like Ittehad Chemical Limited Kala Shah Kaku, and tanneries etc. Selected quality Rock Salt is supplied to dealers for animal and human consumption. A reasonable quantity is also exported to foreign countries including India. Decoration pieces like; lamps, vases, ash rays etc are also made from Khewra Rock Salt and exported to foreign countries in large quantity by some exporters.

PSOCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Khewra Salt Mines management PMDC (Pakistan Mineral Devlopment Corporation) discharges its social obligations. It provides basic civic amenities to the Miners and local population. It runs a model high school, girls college and a survey institute in Khewra.

KHEWRA TOURIST RESORT

The main tunnel at ground level developed by Dr. Warth in 1872 has been converted into Tourist Resort. Thousands of tourists visit Khewra Salt Mines every year. They are fascinated by nature’s beauty inside the mountain. Nearly 35,000 to 40,000 visitors, comprising college students, general public, and foreigners visit Salt Mines Khewra every year. The Salt Mines Khewra has developed as a big attraction for the tourist. Impressed by the interest of the tourist, the PMDC Management launched “Khewra Salt Mines Resort Development Project” in February, 2002 with an estimated cost of Rs.4.2 million which now has been increased by another Rs.3 million. Khewra Salt Mines Tourist Resort has been developed by PMDC with its own resources. Inside the Mine a beautiful mosque made of different shades of rock salt bricks has been constructed – hollow walls of salt bricks when lighted gives a beautiful look. A large chamber called “Assembly Hall” measuring more than 250 ft in height fascinates tourists. There are certain chambers filled in with saturated brine solution. These ponds when illuminated with fancy lights give splendid look. There is an area of transparent salt of light pink colour known as “Shish Mahal”. Different chambers are connected with salt bridges over water ponds and when illuminated with lights show marvelous reflection of different colours of salt. The development programme envisages creation and development of following facilities at Khewra Salt Mines in the first phase of development programme, which have since been completed.

• CREATION OF RECEPTION/BRIEFING HALL: A reception/briefing hall has been constructed to serve as reception center for tourists.
• WALKWAY: The walkway from receipt/briefing hall to the Mine Mouth has been constructed by fixing pavers for the smooth walk of tourist.
• SOUVENIR SHOP: For the convenience of tourist, a souvenir shop has been established in the reception/briefing hall area where tourists can find model lamps and other articles made of salt.
• CLEANING THE MINES: The Main Mine area reserved for tourist has been cleaned and cleared from the unwanted materials and debris for the convenience and comfort of the tourists.
• ILLUMINATION: The mines have been illuminated at a grand scale with fancy and reflector type lights to magnify intrinsic beauty of the salient features of the mine, its interior look and texture of rock salt.
• ELECTRIC TRAIN: Electric train has been made available for tourists to have a joy ride upto main juncture inside the Mines.
• REFRESHMENT: Seating arrangements have been made in side the mine. Refreshments have been provided inside the mine, where kiosks have been fitted, having sufficient capacity for tourists to relax and enjoy light refreshments.
• MINE GUIDE: Trained female guides are available at the mine to conduct tour of visitors inside the Mines.
• CHARGES:

Entry Fee: - Foreigner Adult US$ 6.00 or equivalent - Foreigner Student US$ 3.00 or equivalent - Pakistani Adult Rs. 30.00 - Pakistani Student Rs. 15.00 Trolley Charges - Upto group of 12 person Rs. 250.00 per trip - A group of 12 person and above Rs. 20.00 per head Parking Fee - Scooter/Motor Cycle Rs. 3.00 - Car/Jeep/Suzuki Van Rs.10.00 - Van/Hiace Rs. 20.00 - Coaster/Flying Coach Rs. 30.00 - Bus Rs. 50.00 Guest House Charges - VIP suit (per night) Rs.500 + Rs. 100 (Air condition charges) - Side Room (per night) Rs.300 + Rs. 100 (Air condition charges)

• MINE VISITING TIMES: Mine is open for tourist from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day including Sunday and gazetted holidays.

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KEXTERNAL LINKS

• Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation Official Site