Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced the auction of six additional gold mining blocks in the Kohat region, with a combined base price exceeding Rs25 billion. This move is part of the province’s broader strategy to regulate and formalise gold mining operations while encouraging private sector participation.
According to a public notice issued by the Mines and Minerals Department, all six mining blocks are situated along the Indus River in Kohat. Each lease will be valid for ten years. The auction is scheduled for August 4 at 11:00 AM in Peshawar, while the application deadline has been set for July 28.
The base price for each block starts at Rs4.22 billion, with the highest reserve price of Rs1 billion set for the site spanning Chorlakki, Qamar, Ghari Pat, and Khushhal Garh Pul. Other blocks include:
Khushhal Garh Rassi Qasba and Tawi Banda: Rs900 million
Shoroj Shakardara: Rs700 million
Tawi Banda Khur Darabo Kach: Rs600 million
Rukwan Shakardara: Rs520 million
Seen, Shadipur, Chorlakki: Rs500 million
To qualify for the bidding process, interested companies must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), possess a valid National Tax Number, and submit a recent bank statement showing a minimum balance of Rs5 million. Applicants must also pay a non-refundable fee and provide a call deposit equal to 10% of the reserve price.
This latest auction follows the earlier leasing of five gold mining sites and comes in the wake of a province-wide crackdown on illegal mining. Last year, KP granted its first large-scale gold lease worth Rs4.92 billion.
Officials say the government’s aim is to promote a transparent and legally compliant mining sector. They added that environmental protection and community interests will be prioritised throughout the process, with all activities conducted in accordance with existing regulatory frameworks.
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