Mining in Stak Nala, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

The three mountain ranges of Gilgit-Baltistan; Himalayas, Hindukush, and the Karakorum contain many minerals and gems including emerald, ruby, sapphire, aquamarine, moonstone, and amethyst. A number of other minerals are also found in the region such as peridot, tourmaline, topaz, garnet, red spinal, pargasite, diopside, sphene, apatite, azurite, rose quartz, and agate.

Stak Nala, located at the Gilgit-Skardu link road, falls into the Karakorum mountain ranges.

Brief History of Mining in Stak Nala

Mining in Stak Nala was started in 1980's when an international company came there and started mining.They stayed at Tookla Village of Stak Nala for more than one year. It takes about half an hour to reach the adjoining mining areas from this village. There are two main areas for mining in this village known as Kaska and Zoa Lungma. They built a temporary road, up-to Kaska, to take their mining-related equipment. By the help of the local people, the machines and related things were carried out to the Kaska. This zigzag road is present til now. 

The local people hired by them to do work were paid according to their nature of the job. The rocky mountain was dug out in different directions at Kaska and Zoa Lungma up to 100-300 feet inward with a height of 3-8 feet and width of 3-8 feet. 

The whole area of the rocky mountain was completely converted into hundred of holes presenting a look of bee nest. 

After they had gone, the local people started mining and some people found moderate amount too, but not at large scale.
The reason was, they didn't have the mining related equipment and training too. They use to dig the hole in rock by local iron bars which were time-consuming and difficult too.

Latest History

After the company had gone, people were engaged in mining but any amount at large scale was not earned by the local. In 2011 immediately the people earned money at large scale and gemstones of the Stak Nala gained popularity at international level.

Following are some kind of gemstones found in Stak Nala:

Aquamarine, topaz, tourmaline, apatite, sphene, morganite, and quartz.

The Valley is full of gemstones, but the problem is lack of awareness among people, how to carry on the mining. Although the traditional way of mining has somehow turned into modern style, more capabilities are needed to be enhanced.

For more detail about mining contact via contact form given at the left end of the website.