Karachi: National Resources Limited (NRL) has discovered significant copper-gold mineralization in Chagai, Balochistan. Muhammad Ali Tabba, Chairman of NRL and CEO of Lucky Cement, announced the breakthrough at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025.
NRL is a 100% Pakistani-owned private company. It operates under Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills Limited, and Lucky Cement. The company was granted a mining lease in October 2023. The licensed area already included two known porphyry prospects with high exploration potential.
New Discoveries and Drilling Results
In just 15 months, NRL identified 18 new exploration prospects. One of them, “Tang Kaur,” has shown rapid progress. It is now at an advanced drilling stage.
Mr. Tabba reported that NRL completed 13 diamond drill holes totaling 3,517 meters. All drill holes intersected porphyry-style alteration and sulfide mineralization. Assay results from six holes (1,500 meters) show strongly mineralized, near-surface zones. Downhole intervals range from 48 to 148 meters using a 0.2% copper cut-off grade.
The average grades include 0.23% to 0.48% copper, 0.09 to 0.14 grams per ton (g/t) gold, and 1.30 to 6.21 g/t silver. These results yield a copper equivalent of 0.28% to 0.56%. The mineralized zone remains open to the north, east, and at depth.
Next Steps in Exploration
Advanced drilling at Tang Kaur is scheduled for May 2025. NRL plans to release an NI 43-101 Technical Report by the end of the year. International consultants are already reviewing the site. The company will continue with 3 to 4 years of in-depth exploration and feasibility studies.
NRL has also obtained a Lead-Zinc exploration license adjacent to a proven deposit. A Bankable Feasibility Study already exists for that site. NRL is evaluating downstream processing to establish a complete metal value chain.
Commitment to Local Communities
NRL emphasizes local development and sustainability. Over 90% of its workforce is from local communities. The company supports clean water, education, healthcare, and local businesses in the region.
“Mining only succeeds when local communities benefit directly,” said Mr. Tabba. He also highlighted NRL’s collaboration with universities and research institutions.
Future Expansion and Investments
NRL is working closely with the Government of Balochistan and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). It aims to secure two more copper-gold licenses in Chagai, backed by a $100 million exploration fund.
The company has signed an MoU with the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited to jointly explore new leases. NRL also plans to attract national and international investors to support future exploration and development.
A Vision for Pakistan-Led Exploration
NRL thanked the Government of Balochistan and SIFC for their support. The company remains committed to expanding Pakistan-led mineral development.
“With continued cooperation, more domestic companies will enter mining,” said Tabba. “This will drive sustainable growth for Balochistan and Pakistan.”
