biostudies-literatureUnknown6(12)Noor SWThe Khewra Salt Mine, also known as the source of Himalayan Pink Salt, is the second largest salt mine in the world and a significant site for salt export. The mine's salt exhibits both amorphous and crystalline textures, with colours ranging from white to deep red, contributing to its distinctive pink hue. While previous research has extensively explored the mine's soil, plants and brine samples, little attention has been given to the salt walls, which are a major tourist attraction. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial diversity within the salt walls from four distinct locations, including an under-construction area sampled for the first time. From these four collection points, 7 samples were gathered, yielding 19 isolates cultured on 2% NaCl nutrient agar. Bacterial isolates frAccess microbiology000869.v4https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12453392biostudies-literature16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals bacterial diversity in Khewra Salt Mine walls.PMC12453392Noor SWFazal SKayani BKAbdullah SMArshad Sfalse16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals bacterial diversity in Khewra Salt Mine walls.The Khewra Salt Mine, also known as the source of Himalayan Pink Salt, is the second largest salt mine in the world and a significant site for salt export. The mine's salt exhibits both amorphous and crystalline textures, with colours ranging from white to deep red, contributing to its distinctive pink hue. While previous research has extensively explored the mine's soil, plants and brine samples, little attention has been given to the salt walls, which are a major tourist attraction. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial diversity within the salt walls from four distinct locations, including an under-construction area sampled for the first time. From these four collection points, 7 samples were gathered, yielding 19 isolates cultured on 2% NaCl nutrient agar. Bacterial isolates fr2024-01-01T00:00:00Z20242026-07-15T09:45:02.233Z2026-07-04T03:11:54.154ZS-EPMC124533924098895310.1099/acmi.0.000869.v4