This glossary defines common terms you will see on signs, in guides, and in export packaging. Each entry links to a deeper page where we cover the topic in full.
Khewra Salt Mine visitor entrance, Khewra, Jhelum District, Punjab
GPS: 32.6479389° N, 73.0083944° E. Open in Google Maps
PMDC
Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation. The state-owned body that manages Khewra mining and visitor operations at the gate. PMDC is not the same as Pakistan Railways or Punjab Tourism, though all three appear in trip planning. See mine profile for how visitor entry works.
Halite
The mineral name for rock salt (sodium chloride). Khewra tunnels cut through thick halite beds laid down in ancient seas. Pink and white bands reflect trace minerals, mainly iron oxide. Read Khewra salt for how halite is graded for markets.
Salt Range
A hill belt in northern Punjab where thick salt and limestone layers rise near the surface. Khewra sits on a salt dome in this range. The Geological Survey of Pakistan publishes Salt Range bulletins. Our Salt Range page places the mine in regional context.
Tehsil
An administrative subdivision of a Pakistani district. Khewra town lies in Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil, Jhelum District. Visitors sometimes confuse Jhelum District with Chakwal city because the M-2 exit signs mention Chakwal. See Khewra town for local geography.
Kala namak
Himalayan black salt, a sulphur-tinged edible salt sold in South Asian markets. Some grades are processed from Salt Range halite. This site does not make health claims about any salt product. Product grades are covered on products and salt types.
Room-and-pillar mining
A method where miners leave salt pillars to support the roof while extracting rooms between them. Khewra's tourist tunnels pass through older chambers shaped by this style. Active production zones use modern equipment in deeper headings visitors do not enter. See ecosystem and mining.
Brine lake
A pool of highly salty water inside the mine. Tourist routes include a fenced viewing platform over a shallow brine lake. The water is not drinkable and not for swimming. Chamber detail is in inside the mine.
Himalayan pink salt (retail label)
A marketing name for pink rock salt from the Himalayan foothills, including Khewra. Export packaging often says Himalayan even when the mine is in Punjab, Pakistan. The label describes colour and origin branding, not a separate mineral species. Compare grades on pink salt.
Sheesh Mahal
Urdu for Mirror Palace. At Khewra it refers to a tourist chamber where salt crystals reflect coloured lights. It is a display stop on the walking route, not a historic palace from outside the mine. Photo tips are in mosque and Sheesh Mahal.
Tourist electric train
A narrow-gauge electric train on a loop inside the mine. It is operated for visitors only and is not part of Pakistan Railways. The ride links the entrance to the walking chambers. Rail travel to Khewra town is covered in getting there by train.
Sources
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Frequently asked questions
What does PMDC stand for?
Is Himalayan pink salt different from halite?
What tehsil is Khewra in?
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Practical visitor information for Khewra Salt Mine in Punjab, Pakistan.
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