The Scientific Evolution of the Salt Range (1928–1931

Mapping the Depths: How Science Transformed the Khewra Salt Mines a Century Ago
​The Khewra Salt Mine is globally famous for its pink salt, but few realize the immense scientific effort that went into its development during the early 20th century. While modern mining began in 1872 under Dr. H. Warth, the years between 1928 and 1931 were crucial for the mine’s expansion.
​The Quest for New Sources
In 1928, prominent geologists like Mr. E.R. Gee were actively exploring the Salt Range to secure the future of salt production. Letters from this era reveal a meticulous process, where geologists traveled by trolley and train to remote sites like Baghanwala and Malot to study the earth’s layers.
​Overcoming Geological Hurdles
Mining wasn’t always easy. In Warcha, for instance, engineers faced significant challenges when they hit “fault lines”—shifts in the earth’s crust that interrupted the salt seams. Reports from 1928 describe the discovery of “Blue Earth” and gypsum, indicating complex geological formations that required expert analysis before further digging could occur.
​Modernizing the Records
By 1931, the need for updated mapping became urgent. As the mines grew, old plans became obsolete. The Commissioner of Salt & Excise pushed for new, detailed geological plans and even the establishment of dedicated “Drawing Rooms” and the use of photography to document the surveys. This scientific foundation is exactly what allowed the mines to become the massive, structured wonders we walk through today.