Minerals are found richly, in all of the Provinces of Pakistan. They may be mined in common locations or regions based on their popularity. Different minerals may also be mined in different regions such as the Hindu Kush, Himalaya, and Karakorum ranges.
The bauxite is best developed from Nilawahn to Khura in the south of the Salt Range. In general the content of alumina and silica has inverse relationship from east to west.
It is presently being extracted from Siwalik rocks found near Villages of Jalalpur Sharif and Dina in Jhelum District. Workable deposits also occur in Attock. Sandy terrain of the Pabby Hills near village Tainpur. Dina, Jhelum District have been reported to be the best places where economic deposits of bentonite are found.
In Punjab, deposits are found in the cracks of limestone in the form of veins. It is found in Attock, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Jhelum, and D.G. Khan Districts. In Kala Chitta Range in Attock District, calcite is found in abundance in pure form.
In Punjab, the Celestite occurs as irregular veins over a length of three to four miles to the east and northeast of Daud Khel the mineral occurs in irregular veins.
Chalk deposits are mainly formed in the limestone accumulation, which can be found in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Khushab, Mianwali, D.G. Khan and Rajanpur District.
The main deposits include Barbara deposits of Kuch near Kalabagh in Mianwali District. The Dolomite deposits are also found near Datta Nala (about 11 km North East of Makerwal). Doya-Lunda, Normia and Punnu (Near coal mines of Mulla Khel) and near Buri Khel in Mianwali.
In Punjab important location of fireclay deposits are Chappri, Dhok Pass, Mouza Bazaar, Musakhel in District Mianwali, Chambal, Padhrar in Khushab, Kruli, Dlawal, Minhala and Wahali in Chakwal District, Khewra, Rohtas ,Punan wal and Katha Saghral (District Khushab) and Kala Chitta Range (Bagh Nilab Area, Chhoi Area, Surg Area, Buta Area, Akhori Area) in District Attock.
Gemstones, also known as semi-precious stones or gems, are minerals widely used in jewelry and for ornamental purposes. Northern and western regions of Pakistan are rich in high quality gemstones. Some of the major gemstones are enlisted below;[4]