ISLAMABAD, April 8 (Alliance News): In a significant breakthrough for Pakistan’s mineral sector, National Resources Limited (NRL) has announced the discovery of copper and gold deposits in Chagai, Balochistan.
The announcement was made by NRL Chairman and Lucky Cement CEO Muhammad Ali Tabba during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
NRL, a 100% privately-owned Pakistani company comprising Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills Limited, and Lucky Cement, was granted an exploration license in October 2023.
According to Tabba, the company has identified 16 potential mineral deposits over the past 18 months within its 500-kilometre licensed area.
Advanced drilling has commenced at Tangkor, with 13 diamond drill holes (totaling 3,517 metres) completed—each confirming mineralisation.
Initial results from the first six drill holes (1,500 metres) revealed surface-level mineral deposits containing copper between 0.23% and 0.48%, gold ranging from 0.09 to 0.14 grams per tonne, and silver between 1.30 to 6.21 grams per tonne. The combined copper content stands between 0.28% and 0.56%.
Further advanced drilling is planned at Tangkor in May 2025, followed by the submission of an internationally recognised NI 43-101 technical report by year’s end. The company also anticipates 3-4 years of detailed exploration and feasibility studies at multiple sites.
In addition, NRL has obtained a lead-zinc exploration license next to a well-established mineral mine, where a bankable feasibility study has already been completed. A broader metal value chain study is underway to assess downstream processing potential.
NRL emphasised its commitment to the local community, noting that over 90% of its workforce is locally employed. It is also actively supporting initiatives in clean water, health, education, and livelihood generation.
Backed by a $100 million exploration fund and working closely with the Government of Balochistan and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), NRL is pursuing two more copper-gold exploration licenses in the Chagai region.
The company has also signed an MoU with the Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) to explore new leases and intends to bring in both national and international partners as the project progresses.
NRL expressed gratitude to the Government of Balochistan and SIFC, reaffirming its commitment to mineral development led by local stakeholders.
The company believes that its model can pave the way for greater domestic investment in mining, boosting the economic prospects of both Balochistan and Pakistan.
