Sustainability

Is Himalayan Salt sustainable?

The simple answer is yes.

As the salt is mined by hand, there is little to no pollution or waste byproducts from the manufacturing process.

As the salt was formed millions of years ago, the mines that harvest the salt each contain vast supplies.

Although the total volumes are disputed, by most estimates the largest of the mines (Khewra - located in Pakistan) is estimated to hold 6.7 billion tons and currently harvests a mere 400 000 tons per year, which means if this mine continues harvesting at its current rate without expansion, harvesting could continue for a further 550 or more years.

The possibilities, if the tunnels and mining is expanded could be nearly infinite.

What is the Environmental Impact of Himalayan Salt Mining?

Since the early 1800's, the architectural system of "Dome and Pillar" - established by the British - has been used to harvest the salt.

Approximately 50 percent of the salt in each cavern or room within the mine is harvested and removed, the other half is left behind as the pillars to support the structure of the dome rooms and the weight of the mountain above.

All mining of the salt is done by hand using traditional and established methods. This is a slow process, but the use of explosives within the mine is prohibited to protect the crystalline structure of the salt. It must be said that no known wildlife or plant life is affected by the salt mining.