Khewra Salt Mine

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Khewra Salt Mines Pakistan (206)

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The Khewra Salt Mine (or Mayo Salt Mine) is located in Khewra, in the Jhelum District of Punjab, Pakistan. It is the largest and oldest salt mine in Pakistan and the second largest in the world. The mine is a major tourist attraction, drawing up to 250,000 visitors a year. It is also a significant source of rock salt.

History

The Khewra Salt Mine has a long history dating back to its discovery by the troops of Alexander the Great in 320 BC. The mine was extensively developed during the Mughal Empire and later by the British Empire, which established the current mining system in the 19th century.

Geology

The salt deposits at Khewra are part of a thick series of evaporite deposits known as the Salt Range. The mine is located in a mountainous region that is rich in minerals, including gypsum, anhydrite, and halite.

Mining Operations

The mine is operated by the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation. It employs the "room and pillar" method of mining, which involves the excavation of large rooms while leaving pillars of salt to support the roof. The mine produces approximately 387,747 tons of salt per year.

Tourist Attractions

The Khewra Salt Mine is a popular tourist destination. Attractions within the mine include:

• The Crystal Palace, a chamber with transparent, colorless salt crystals.
• The Badshahi Mosque, a mosque made entirely of salt bricks.
• The Assembly Hall, a large chamber with a height of 75 meters.
• The Pul-e-Saraat, a salt bridge without any pillars.
• The Sheesh Mahal, a palace of mirrors made from salt crystals.

Health Benefits

The mine also features a salt therapy center, which is believed to help with respiratory ailments. The microclimate of the mine is said to be beneficial for patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Related Pages

• Salt Range
• Rock salt
• Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation
• Punjab, Pakistan
• Jhelum District

See Also

• List of mines in Pakistan
• Mining in Pakistan
• Tourism in Pakistan