Pakistan’s Next Gold and Copper Treasure Found Near Reko Diq

National Resources Limited (NRL), a Pakistani-owned mineral exploration firm, has discovered copper and gold mineralization across eight porphyry discoveries in Balochistan’s Chagai district following extensive drilling. The finds cover a total area of 5.6 square kilometres near Darigwan, adjacent to NRL’s previously identified copper-gold site at Tang Kaur.

According to NRL Chairman Muhammad Ali Tabba, a single drill hole yielded 295 meters of continuous mineralization, grading 0.43% copper and 0.13 grams of gold per tonne. This included a 132-meter segment grading 0.83% copper, nearly double the average grade. Tabba indicated that additional exploration at exploration licence EL214 could reveal substantial resources, pending completion of fieldwork and a formal resource assessment.

A separate consultant has already produced preliminary resource estimates, but NRL is waiting for the figures to comply with international standards. The company is now focused on obtaining its first official mineral resource estimate. NRL intends to commence environmental, hydrogeological, metallurgical, and geotechnical studies in 2027, with the goal of delivering a bankable feasibility study by the end of the decade.

Tabba reiterated the company’s $100 million commitment to mineral exploration in Pakistan and encouraged local and foreign investors to investigate potential opportunities. NRL operates as a joint venture between Fatima Fertilisers, Liberty Mills, and Lucky Cement, holding five exploration licenses in Balochistan, covering four projects: two copper-gold sites, one lead-zinc project, and two antimony projects.

The firm is also developing an AI-based exploration model in collaboration with LUMS, utilizing a predominantly local technical team, including Baloch geologists working alongside international consultants. These recent discoveries bolster Chagai’s reputation as Pakistan’s primary copper-gold belt, which also encompasses the well-known Reko Diq site.