NRL reports copper-gold mineralization at eight Chagai sites

National Resources Limited (NRL) has identified copper-gold mineralization at eight porphyry discoveries in Chagai district, Balochistan, after nearly 25,000 meters of drilling.

Chairman Muhammad Ali Tabba announced the results at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 as the company works towards its first formal mineral resource estimate.

What copper-gold mineralization has NRL reported in Chagai?

One drill hole intersected 295 meters of mineralization grading 0.43% copper and 0.13 grams per ton of gold. A 132-metre interval within it returned a higher copper grade of 0.83%. The discoveries cover 5.6 square kilometers in Darigwan, next to the earlier Tang Kaur copper-gold porphyry discovery.

Tabba told the forum that further exploration at license EL214 could establish substantial mineral resources. This remains subject to additional investigations and formal resource estimation.

Who owns NRL and what does it hold in Balochistan?

NRL is a joint venture involving Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills and Lucky Cement. It holds five exploration licenses in Balochistan. These cover two copper-gold projects, one lead-zinc project and two antimony projects, with exploration continuing across the sites.

Tabba also reaffirmed NRL’s previously announced commitment of $100 million to mineral exploration in Pakistan. He invited domestic and international investors, as well as service providers, to explore opportunities in the country’s mining sector.

What are NRL’s next steps after the Chagai drilling?

NRL is progressing towards its maiden mineral resource estimate in accordance with internationally recognized standards. A separate consultant has prepared preliminary resource estimates, but the company is withholding their public release while it works to meet international reporting requirements.

The company plans to begin environmental, hydrogeological, metallurgical and geotechnical studies in 2027 as part of its development program. It aims to complete a bankable feasibility study by the end of the decade.

How is NRL using AI and local expertise in exploration?

NRL has begun developing a predictive artificial intelligence model with the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to accelerate mineral exploration. The initiative builds on geological modelling and data collected through the company’s drilling program.

“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.

The program is also helping develop local technical expertise, with geologists from Balochistan working alongside international consultants and Pakistani contractors carrying out inclined drilling. Tabba said the company’s technical workforce was almost entirely local, supporting efforts to build domestic capabilities that could also contribute to international exploration projects.

What is the Chagai Foundation?

Beyond exploration, NRL is supporting education and community development through the recently established Chagai Foundation. Tabba invited industrialists, investors and corporate partners to contribute to its vision of “Enabling Balochistan”.

“The people of Balochistan must share in the opportunities created by their mineral wealth,” he said.