Discovery of Gold and Copper Reserves in Chagai, Balochistan

Islamabad: National Resources Limited (NRL) has announced the discovery of significant gold and copper reserves in Chagai, Balochistan. The announcement was made by NRL Chairman and Lucky Cement CEO, Muhammad Ali Tabba, during his address at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
NRL is a 100% privately owned Pakistani company, which is a subsidiary of Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills Limited, and Lucky Cement. The company was granted an exploration license in October 2023.
During his address, Muhammad Ali Tabba shared that over the past 18 months, 16 potential reserves were identified in a 500-kilometer licensed area, with advanced drilling already initiated at the Tang Kor site. NRL has completed 13 diamond drill holes (3517 meters), with all drill holes confirming the presence of mineral deposits. Analytical results from the first six drill holes (1500 meters) confirmed strong mineral zones close to the surface.
Initial drilling results revealed copper content ranging from 0.23% to 0.48%, gold content between 0.09 grams per ton to 0.14 grams per ton, and silver content ranging from 1.30 grams per ton to 6.21 grams per ton, which collectively correspond to copper reserves of 0.28% to 0.56%.
Advanced drilling at Tang Kor is scheduled for May 2025, with the results expected to lead to the presentation of an NI 43-101 technical report by the end of the year. This report will be prepared by international consultants already overseeing the project. Subsequently, a 3-4 year detailed exploration phase followed by feasibility studies will be conducted, while exploration at other sites continues.
In addition, NRL has acquired an exploration license for lead-zinc deposits adjacent to a well-known mineral mine, where a bankable feasibility study has already been completed. The company is also working on a comprehensive metal value chain study to evaluate downstream processing possibilities.
NRL places great emphasis on the local community as key stakeholders and actively supports social development through clean water, education, healthcare, and local employment or businesses. According to the company, the current local employment ratio exceeds 90%.
NRL is also working with the Government of Balochistan and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to secure two additional copper-gold exploration licenses in Chagai, supported by a $100 million exploration fund. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) to work on the new lease, and plans to involve national and international investors in the project as needed.
The company expressed its gratitude for the support from the Government of Balochistan and SIFC, reiterating its commitment to mineral development in Balochistan, which will pave the way for further exploration in the country. NRL believes that with the continued collaboration of the government and SIFC, more local companies will join the mining sector, driving progress and development for both Balochistan and Pakistan.