In 2019, Pakistan imported 36,000 Tons of Potassium Chloride (KCL) and approximately 64,000 tons of Potassium Sulphate (SOP). The collective import value of both these products was PKR 6 billion or USD 34 million. Hence, the price parity between KCL and Rock salt in the market, encourages the exploration of Potash manufacturing at home. For instance, Khewra salt mine sells its salt at an average rate of USD 25 per Ton, while the imported KCL is purchased by Pakistan at an average price of USD 275 to 350 per Ton.    

Rock salt mines at Khewra and Makrach, under the administration of PMDC are known to have significant quantities of Potash (KCL) concentration, as well. By using the procedure of wet chemical analytical techniques and XRF method, 5 chip samples of Khewra and Makrach salt mines for chemical analysis of potash rock have been carried out. Samples indicated minimum 2.99 wt % K2O and maximum 17.66 wt % K2O and its average grade is 12.532 wt % K2O.

Wet chemical analysis report of Khewra Mines potash samples indicates that samples contain minimum 3 wt % K, maximum 13 wt % K and its average grade is 9.8 wt % KXRF chemical analysis report of Makrach Mine’s potash samples indicates that samples contain minimum 7.91 wt % K2O, maximum 19.19 wt % K2O and its average grade is 14.966 wt % K2O Wet chemical analysis report of Makrach Mine’s potash samples indicates that samples contain minimum 7 wt % K and maximum 17 % K and its average grade is 12.2 wt % K.

 Several credible studies have established that Raw Potash that is obtained from Khewra and Makrach Salt mines can potentially be converted into marketable products like Potassium Sulphate and KCL. A conservative resource estimation depicts that 2.4 million ton measured Potash ore occurs in Khewra Main Mine and lab studies indicate 13 wt % average grade of “K” (MOP and SOP). From 2015 to 2019, Pakistan imported MOP and SOP worth PKR 18 Billion or USD 108 million. Given their high demand in the local market, its huge production potential can be exploited by local companies. Considering daily production of 300 tons of Potash ore from Khewra Mine, mine life will be 27 years. Since the measured Potash Ore resources in these mines are 2.4 million tons. PMDC is determined to explore further opportunities for local manufacturing of Potash, in order to meet local demands of product and to seek suitable investors for joint corporation in this sector.