On the auspicious occasion of 555th Jayanti of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Federal Government has been pleased to issue a commemorative coin of Rs.55 denomination with the following metal composition, shape, and dimensions: –

Metal composition:

Nickel-Brass, Cu 79%, Zn 20% & Ni 1% Dimension: 30.0 mm Weight: 13.5 grams

OBVERSE:

On the obverse side the waxing crescent moon and five-pointed star facing North-West in rising position, is in the center. Along with periphery on the top of crescent star is inscribed in wording “ISLAMI JAMHURIA PAKISTAN” in Urdu Script. Below the crescent and on the top of two springs of wheat with arms curved upward, there is the year of issuance 2024. The face value of coin in numeral “55” in bold letters and RUPIA in Urdu script are written on the right and left sides of crescent star respectively.

REVERSE:

 On the reverse side of the coin, picture of monument of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is shown in the center. The wording “555th Birthday Celebrations” is written on the top of the monument and “SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI” is written at the bottom of the monument whereas “1469- 2024” is written along with the periphery at the bottom of the coin depicting the span of birthday celebrations.

State of Pakistan is heir to diverse religious denominations; Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikh faith tradition, is one of the finest son to blossom out of the land now constituting Pakistan. Sikh faith is a worldwide religion with millions of adherents, the holiest shrines are located in Pakistan. The coin is being issued through the exchange counters of all the field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation from November 22, 2024.

The Sandak Project, also known as the Saindak Copper-Gold Project, is a significant mining and metallurgical enterprise located in the remote Chagai District of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is a key initiative in the country’s efforts to harness its natural mineral resources and contribute to economic development.

Location

The Sandak Project is situated near Sandak Town, close to the Pakistan-Iran border in a region known for its rich mineral deposits. This area is part of the larger Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, a geologically rich zone that spans several countries.

Discovery and Development

• Discovery: The presence of significant copper and gold reserves in Sandak was identified in the 1970s by the Geological Survey of Pakistan.
• Development: Initial mining operations began in the early 1990s with Chinese assistance. Since then, the project has seen periodic advancements in exploration, extraction, and production technologies.

Mineral Resources

The project focuses primarily on the extraction of copper, gold, and silver.

• Copper: The main component, extracted in the form of concentrates, which are then exported for processing.
• Gold and Silver: By-products of copper mining, adding to the economic value of the project.

Operations and Partnership

The Sandak Project is operated through a collaboration between the Government of Pakistan and Chinese companies, notably the China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC).

• Role of MCC: The Chinese corporation is responsible for mining operations, ore processing, and the overall management of the project.
• Revenue Sharing: The profits are shared between Pakistan and MCC based on predefined agreements, contributing significantly to the regional economy.

Economic Significance

1. Export Revenue: The project generates substantial export revenues through the sale of copper concentrates.
2. Job Creation: It provides direct and indirect employment opportunities for local communities, helping alleviate poverty in the region.
3. Infrastructure Development: The project has led to the development of roads, power plants, and other infrastructure in the Chagai District.

Challenges

1. Resource Depletion: Concerns about the long-term sustainability of the reserves, as current estimates indicate limited quantities of copper and gold.
2. Environmental Impact: Mining operations have raised issues of ecological degradation and water resource depletion.
3. Political and Security Issues: The Chagai region is affected by political instability and security concerns, impacting the smooth operation of the project.
4. Revenue Transparency: There are calls for greater transparency in revenue sharing and reinvestment in local communities.

Future Prospects

• Exploration Expansion: Efforts are underway to discover additional reserves in surrounding areas.
• Technological Upgrades: Incorporating advanced mining and processing technologies to improve efficiency.
• Local Investment: Increasing investments in local infrastructure, healthcare, and education to ensure community benefits.

Conclusion

The Sandak Project is a testament to Pakistan’s vast natural resource potential. While it contributes significantly to the country’s economy, addressing environmental, political, and community concerns is essential for ensuring the project’s long-term success. By balancing economic gains with sustainable practices, Sandak can continue to be a vital asset for Pakistan’s development trajectory.

Khewra Salt Mines

I just came to know that Pakistan is ranked the second number in the world’s list of salt reserves. So I thought it better to share it with you as well. Most of the salt reserves are located in the district of Jhelum in the Punjab province. In this write, I would like to introduce you to Khewra Salt Mines.

Khewra Salt Mines

Khewra Salt Mines are a bit far from Islamabad. The distance is around 160 kilometers from Islamabad and approximately 15 kilometers north of the Jhelum settlement of Pind Dadan Khan. This place is more fascinating and attractive for the tourist. This amazing place was discovered in 326 BC by the army of Alexander the Great while marching through Pakistan with their horses. Luckily their horses started licking the rocks so a soldier replicated them and revealed the secret. And today it has been ranked at the second number in terms of size.          

Khewra Mine Looks Like

The Khewra Salt Mines are the earliest salt mines in the history of salt mining on the Indian subcontinent. In the form of an irregular dome-like structure, salt is found in nature. It is possible to find seven broad salts seems with a combined thickness of around 150 meters. This is the place where one can find 99 percent pure salt. More interestingly you would find different colors of salt like transparent, white, pink, reddish, or beef-color red. 

It is not just a salt mine but a full-fledged closet to visit. The mines are filled with architectural wonders such as mosques, a copy of the Minar-e-Pakistan, a sanatorium, Chaghi Mountain, and various other brightly colored structures made entirely of salt bricks. The monuments are illuminated from within by lights. One can find Sheesh Mahal which is also known as the palaces of mirrors. The walls of the palace are made up of clear salt and water pools are lighten up with lamps.

Besides, its popularity for high-quality salt, it is also known for its gypsum, marble, lime clay, potash, coal, and a variety of other minerals.

Annual Production of Salt

Khewra mines are regarded to be the most ancient in the history of salt mining on the subcontinent. Salinity was assessed to be 98 percent pure in 2018, resulting in the annual production of 389,134 tons of pure salt. In addition to the cash generated by the production, a substantial amount is generated by the approximately 40,000 visitors who come to the site every month. The anticipated yearly production of pink, white, & red salt is about 347,000 tons, with the majority of it being sold to China, India, the United States, and Germany.

By knowing this I think this is a worth visiting place. And amazingly the visiting ticket cost just 220 Rupees per head and half for students and children. Moreover, the visiting timing is from 9 am to 5 pm.