The salt miners of Karachi wade barefoot, knee-deep in seawater to extract sea salt, enduring harsh conditions without proper gear. They labor under the scorching sun, and prolonged exposure to saltwater causes skin irritation and other health issues.
Their work is physically demanding, with long hours and minimal pay. Lacking formal contracts, they are vulnerable to exploitation and have no social security. Pollution and urban encroachment further threaten their livelihoods, reducing the availability of clean seawater essential for salt production. Despite these challenges, they continue this arduous work to sustain their families.
Sea salt mining in Karachi is a traditional yet lesser-known occupation that takes place along the city’s coastal areas, particularly around the mangrove-rich creeks and tidal flats.
The process involves the manual extraction of salt from seawater through evaporation, a practice passed down through generations. The sea salt miners, often working in small, family-run operations, create shallow ponds or salt pans along the coast. Seawater is pumped into these pans and left to evaporate under the sun, leaving behind a layer of salt crystals.
This process can take several days to weeks, depending on weather conditions. Once the water has evaporated, the miners rake the salt crystals, which are then collected, dried, and prepared for sale.
Note: The above news and photos are taken from linkedin account of Mr. Amar Guriro, Senior Environmental Journalist based in Karachi-Paksitan