Gilgit-Baltistan: In the rugged terrains of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan, machine-based gold mining is transforming the lives of ordinary residents, bringing newfound prosperity to a region long marked by economic hardship.
Once reliant on backbreaking manual labour, local communities are now reaping the benefits of advanced technology, which has boosted efficiency and income.
The introduction of mechanised gold extraction along the Indus River and its tributaries has revolutionised traditional panning methods. Hydraulic excavators and sluice machines process vast amounts of sediment, yielding higher gold quantities in less time.
For villagers like Asif Ali, a former subsistence farmer, this shift has meant earning up to PKR 50,000 monthly, a fortune compared to his earlier struggles. Women, too, are finding opportunities, with some operating small-scale sorting units, fostering financial independence.
However, the boom comes with challenges. Environmental concerns, including riverbed erosion and water pollution, have sparked debates. Local authorities have introduced regulations to curb unchecked mining, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Additionally, the influx of wealth has raised fears of exploitation by external investors, prompting calls for community-led cooperatives to protect local interests.
Despite these hurdles, the gold rush has sparked hope. Schools are seeing higher enrolment rates as families afford education, and small businesses are thriving in mining hubs like Chilas and Skardu.
For Gilgit-Baltistan’s residents, machine mining is not just about gold — it’s about scripting a brighter future.