Both the Geological Survey of Pakistan and the Inspectorate of Mines have not reported any minerals in Gwadar district. The Gazetteer of Balochistan describes exploration of Aluminium Sulphate and Ferrous Sulphate from Shamal Bandar. A sulphur mine was operating near Pasni and occurrence of Sulphuratted Hydrogen at Kallag was reported.

The only mineral product of the district today is salt. Salt is obtained from sea or rain water. Small wells of 3-4 meters depth are dug near the sea shore and sea water is spread in panes made on plain surface. The usual dimension of the panes is 300 x 200 x 10 centimetres. Water dries up in 10 days and salt is collected. Each of the panes produces about 20 kilogram of salt which is sold at a rate of 15 rupees per 20 kilogram.

The district might have mineral resources but no attention has been directed to explore them. The action needed is exploration and subsequent exploitation of the mineral resources in the district. The production of salt may be organised as a small industry. Exploitation of minerals will not only benefit the national economy but will also help socio-economic development of the area.

Back to Gwadar