Islamabad: National Resources Limited (NRL) has announced the discovery of significant gold and copper deposits in the Chagai district of Balochistan, a breakthrough that could boost the country’s mining sector. The announcement was made during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 by NRL Chairman and Lucky Cement CEO Muhammad Ali Tabba, in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir.
NRL, a fully privately-owned Pakistani company and a subsidiary of Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills, and Lucky Cement, received its exploration licence in October 2023. Over the past 18 months, exploration activities across the 500 square kilometer licence area led to the identification of 16 potential mineral sites. Advanced drilling operations have already begun at the Tang Kore location.
Tabba shared that NRL had completed 13 diamond drill holes covering a total of 3,517 meters, all of which showed signs of mineralization. Results from the first six drill holes confirmed strong mineral zones near the surface. Initial sampling revealed promising results, with copper content ranging from 0.23% to 0.48%, gold between 0.09 to 0.14 grams per tonne, and silver between 1.3 and 6.21 grams per tonne. These figures equate to combined copper values ranging from 0.28% to 0.56%.
As part of its exploration strategy, NRL plans to conduct advanced drilling in the Tang Kore area starting May 2025. The company also plans to release a National Instrument 43-101 technical report by the end of the year, followed by three to four years of further exploration and feasibility studies.
In addition to its copper-gold exploration efforts, NRL has secured a lead-zinc licence adjacent to an existing mine, with a completed bankable feasibility study. The company is also conducting a study on the metal value chain to assess downstream processing opportunities.
NRL has emphasized its commitment to supporting the local community, with a focus on clean water, education, healthcare, and job creation. More than 90% of the workforce is locally employed, highlighting the company’s contribution to regional development.
The company is also collaborating with the Balochistan government and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to secure two additional exploration licences, backed by a $100 million fund. Furthermore, NRL has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC) to collaborate on newly leased areas. This discovery of gold and copper reserves in Chagai could significantly contribute to Pakistan’s mining industry, potentially attracting both local and foreign investments and adding value to the country’s mineral resources.
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