Gold Mines in Pakistan | Reko Diq, Saindak, Karakoram

Overview

Pakistan's Gold Geology

Pakistan is endowed with remarkable mineral wealth, and gold forms a significant component of its geological inheritance. The country's gold deposits span multiple geological environments — from porphyry copper-gold systems in Balochistan to orogenic lode gold in the northern mountain belts.

The Chagai district alone hosts what experts classify as one of the world's largest undeveloped porphyry copper-gold provinces. The Tethyan Metallogenic Belt — running through Pakistan's western and northwestern regions — is home to substantial gold and base-metal mineralisation.

Small-scale and artisanal gold mining has been practiced for centuries along river gravels in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the FATA region and Gilgit-Baltistan, where local communities pan gold from mountain streams flowing through mineral-rich geology.

Map showing major gold mine locations across Pakistan provinces

Major Deposits

Key Gold Mine Locations

Balochistan

Reko Diq Mine

ریکو ڈیق کان

Located in the Chagai district of Balochistan, Reko Diq is one of the world's largest untapped porphyry copper-gold deposits. Discovered in the 1990s, it lies in the heart of the Tethyan metallogenic belt. The deposit contains an estimated 41 million ounces of gold and 59 billion pounds of copper, making it a globally significant mineral asset.

41M Gold oz

Chagai District

Porphyry Type

Balochistan

Saindak Copper-Gold Project

سیندک تانبہ و سونا منصوبہ

The Saindak project in Chagai district is one of Pakistan's few currently operational copper-gold mines. The complex includes open-pit mining, a concentrator plant, and a smelter producing blister copper along with gold and silver as by-products. Currently operated under a leasing arrangement, it produces approximately 15,000 tonnes of blister copper per year.

Active Status

Chagai District

Open-pit Method

Gilgit-Baltistan

Karakoram Gold Belt

قراقرم سونے کی پٹی

The Karakoram mountain range in Gilgit-Baltistan hosts numerous gold-bearing quartz vein systems. The Hushe Valley, Shimshal and Yasin areas have been known for artisanal gold mining for generations. Gold occurs in mesothermal lode deposits and alluvial placers along mountain rivers. Modern geological surveys confirm significant potential for commercial exploitation.

Alluvial Type

GB Province

500+yr History

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

KPK River Gold Deposits

خیبر پختونخوا دریائی سونا

Rivers flowing through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — particularly the Swat, Dir and Chitral rivers — carry placer gold deposits from gold-bearing geological formations in their catchment areas. Hundreds of local families practice traditional gold panning along these rivers, representing an important informal sector of Pakistan's gold economy.

Placer Type

KPK Province

Artisanal Method

Data Overview

Comparative Reserves Data

Mine / Deposit	Province	Type	Gold Reserves	Status (2026)	Est. Area (km²)
Reko Diq	Balochistan	Porphyry Cu-Au	41 million oz	Development Phase	~900
Saindak	Balochistan	Porphyry Cu-Au	~2.5 million oz	Operational	~120
Karakoram Belt	Gilgit-Baltistan	Lode / Alluvial	Undetermined	Artisanal Active	~2,000+
Swat Valley	Khyber Pakhtunkhwa	Placer / Alluvial	Minor, scattered	Artisanal Active	~350
Dir District	Khyber Pakhtunkhwa	Quartz Vein	Under survey	Exploration	~80
Chitral	Khyber Pakhtunkhwa	Placer	Minor	Artisanal Active	~200

* Data compiled from Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) and geological survey records as of 2026. Figures are approximate estimates.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the largest gold mine in Pakistan?

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The Reko Diq deposit in Balochistan's Chagai district is the largest gold deposit in Pakistan and one of the largest in the world with estimated reserves of 41 million ounces of gold alongside vast copper reserves.

Which provinces in Pakistan have gold deposits?

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Gold deposits and occurrences are found across four main provinces: Balochistan (major industrial deposits), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (river placer deposits), Gilgit-Baltistan (mountain lode and alluvial deposits), and smaller occurrences in Punjab.

Is gold mining legal for individuals in Pakistan?

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Small-scale artisanal gold panning has been practiced traditionally and is generally tolerated, particularly in tribal areas. Large-scale commercial mining requires licensing from the relevant provincial mineral departments and the federal Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). Mining regulations are governed by the Mines Act and provincial mineral acts.

When will Reko Diq gold mine start full production?

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As of 2026, Reko Diq is in active development following a landmark 2022 settlement and investment agreement. Construction of mine infrastructure is underway. Commercial gold production is expected to begin within the coming years, with the mine projected to operate for 40+ years.

How pure is Pakistani gold?

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Gold refined from Pakistani ore operations typically achieves 99.9% purity (24 karats) after smelting and refining. Pakistani jewelry is traditionally crafted in 22K (91.7% gold) for durability, while investment-grade gold items are 24K. The hallmarking system ensures consumers receive accurately marked gold pieces.

Gold Mines of Pakistan