Salt mines are underground or surface locations where salt is extracted from the earth. Salt, primarily composed of sodium chloride, is a vital mineral used in food preservation, seasoning, and various industrial processes. These mines can be found in many parts of the world, with notable examples including the Hallein Salt Mine in Austria and the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. The extraction process involves drilling, blasting, and transporting the salt to the surface. In some cases, salt is also harvested from salt flats or evaporated from seawater. Salt mining has a long history, dating back thousands of years, and continues to be an important economic activity in many regions.