Pakistan’s Mineral Exploration Gains Momentum as NRL Reports Promising Copper and Gold Drilling Results
NRL Reports Copper-Gold Mineralisation Across Eight Discoveries in Chagai
ISLAMABAD: National Resources Limited (NRL) has identified copper and gold mineralisation across at least eight porphyry discoveries in Balochistan’s Chagai district, with nearly 25,000 metres of drilling delivering encouraging results as the company moves towards its first mineral resource estimate.
Nearly 25,000 Metres of Drilling Deliver Encouraging Results
One drill hole returned 295 metres of continuous mineralisation grading 0.43% copper and 0.13 grams per tonne of gold, including a 132-metre interval grading 0.83% copper, NRL Chairman Muhammad Ali Tabba told the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026.
Eight Mineral Discoveries Identified in Darigwan
The discoveries cover 5.6 square kilometres in Darigwan, adjoining NRL’s earlier discovery at the Tang Kaur copper-gold porphyry system.
Tabba said further investigations at exploration licence EL214 were expected to establish substantial resources, subject to the completion of exploration activities and formal resource estimation.
A joint venture between Fatima Fertilizers, Liberty Mills and Lucky Cement Limited, NRL holds five exploration licences in Balochistan. These comprise two copper-gold projects, one lead-zinc project and two antimony projects, with exploration activities currently under way.
NRL Targets Bankable Feasibility Study by 2030
NRL plans to initiate environmental, hydrogeological, metallurgical and geotechnical studies in 2027, aiming to complete a bankable feasibility study by the end of the decade.
Tabba reaffirmed NRL’s previously announced $100 million commitment to mineral exploration in Pakistan and invited domestic and international investors and service providers to explore emerging opportunities in the country’s mineral sector.
While preliminary resource estimates have been prepared by a separate consultant, the company is withholding their public release pending compliance with international reporting requirements. NRL is progressing towards its maiden mineral resource estimate in accordance with international standards.
NRL Partners with LUMS to Develop AI-Based Exploration Model
The company has also initiated the development of a predictive artificial intelligence model in collaboration with Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to accelerate mineral exploration.
The initiative builds on geological modelling and data collected through NRL’s drilling programme, with the aim of improving exploration efficiency.
“Our ambition is to build a world-class mineral exploration platform and contribute to an integrated mineral value chain, from discovery and mining to processing and onward value addition,” Tabba said.
Focus on Local Expertise and Workforce Development
Tabba said the exploration programme was also developing local expertise, with Baloch geologists working alongside international consultants and Pakistani contractors undertaking inclined drilling.
The company’s technical workforce is almost entirely indigenous, supporting its ambition to strengthen domestic capabilities that could also contribute to international exploration projects.
Chagai Foundation to Support Education and Community Development
Alongside its mineral exploration programme, NRL is supporting education and community development through the newly established Chagai Foundation.
Tabba encouraged industrialists, investors and corporate partners to contribute to the foundation’s vision of “Enabling Balochistan”.
“The people of Balochistan must share in the opportunities created by their mineral wealth,” he said.
