National Resources Ltd strikes major copper-gold find in Balochistan’s Chagai

National Resources Limited (NRL), a wholly Pakistani-owned mining company, has announced a significant discovery of copper and gold mineralization in Chagai, Balochistan. The development was revealed by NRL Chairman and Lucky Cement CEO Muhammad Ali Tabba during his address at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025.

NRL, a joint venture between Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills Limited, and Lucky Cement, was awarded a mining lease in October 2023. Since then, the company has uncovered 18 new prospects in its licensed area, which initially included two known porphyry deposits.

One of the prospects, Tang Kaur, has shown rapid advancement and is now in the advanced drilling phase. NRL has completed 13 diamond drill holes totaling 3,517 meters. All the drillings have intersected porphyry-style alteration and sulfide mineralization. Assay results from the first six drill holes, covering 1,500 meters, indicate near-surface mineralized zones ranging between 48 to 148 meters with a copper cut-off grade of 0.2%.

The copper grades from these samples range from 0.23% to 0.48%, with accompanying gold content between 0.09 to 0.14 grams per ton (g/t) and silver values ranging from 1.30 to 6.21 g/t. These grades translate to a copper-equivalent range of 0.28% to 0.56%. According to Tabba, the mineralization remains open toward the north, east, and at depth.

NRL plans to initiate further advanced drilling in May and aims to complete an NI 43-101 Technical Report by year-end. The report will be prepared by internationally recognized consultants who are currently monitoring the project. A 3-4 year period of detailed exploration and feasibility studies is expected to follow.

Beyond Tang Kaur, NRL has acquired a lead-zinc exploration license adjacent to an established deposit where a Bankable Feasibility Study has already been conducted. The company is also studying downstream metal processing options to assess long-term viability across the value chain.

In line with its commitment to community engagement, NRL emphasized that over 90% of its workforce is locally hired. The company supports community development projects focused on clean water, education, healthcare, and employment. “NRL believes mining prospers only when local communities directly benefit,” Tabba said.

NRL is working closely with the Government of Balochistan and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to secure two additional exploration licenses in the region, supported by a $100 million exploration fund. It has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Oil and Gas Development Company to collaborate on new leases.

Looking ahead, NRL plans to attract additional local and international investors to further expand its exploration and development efforts.