NRL Reports Copper-Gold Mineralisation Across Eight Discoveries in Chagai
Nearly 25,000 metres of drilling deliver encouraging results as the company advances towards its first mineral resource estimate
Copper-Gold Discoveries in Chagai advance Pakistan’s mineral exploration prospects.
National Resources Limited (NRL) has identified copper and gold mineralisation across at least eight porphyry discoveries in Balochistan’s Chagai district. Nearly 25,000 metres of drilling have produced encouraging results as the company moves towards its first mineral resource estimate.
One drill hole intersected 295 metres of continuous mineralisation, grading 0.43% copper and 0.13 grams per tonne of gold. The interval included 132 metres grading 0.83% copper.
NRL Chairman Muhammad Ali Tabba shared the results at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026.
Exploration Reveals Multiple Copper-Gold Discoveries
The discoveries cover 5.6 square kilometres in Darigwan, adjoining NRL’s earlier Tang Kaur copper-gold porphyry discovery.
Tabba said further exploration at licence EL214 could establish substantial mineral resources. However, the company must complete its exploration programme and formal resource estimation before confirming the deposits’ scale.
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A joint venture involving Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills and Lucky Cement, NRL holds five exploration licences in Balochistan. These include two copper-gold projects, one lead-zinc project and two antimony projects. Exploration work continues across the portfolio.
Studies and Feasibility Work Planned
NRL plans to begin environmental, hydrogeological, metallurgical and geotechnical studies in 2027. The company aims to complete a bankable feasibility study by the end of the decade.
Tabba also reaffirmed NRL’s previously announced commitment of $100 million to mineral exploration in Pakistan. He invited local and international investors and service providers to explore emerging opportunities.
The company has prepared preliminary resource estimates through a separate consultant. However, NRL is withholding their public release until it meets international reporting requirements. It is now working towards its maiden mineral resource estimate under recognised international standards.
AI Partnership to Support Mineral Exploration
NRL has also started developing a predictive artificial intelligence model with the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). The model aims to accelerate exploration by building on geological modelling and data collected through the drilling programme.
“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.
Building Local Expertise and Community Support
Tabba said the exploration programme is also developing local technical expertise. Baloch geologists are working alongside international consultants, while Pakistani contractors are undertaking inclined drilling.
He said the company’s technical workforce is almost entirely indigenous. NRL aims to strengthen domestic capabilities that could eventually support international exploration projects as well.
Alongside its exploration activities, NRL is supporting education and community development through the newly established Chagai Foundation.
Tabba urged 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.
