Islamabad, April 08 – National Resources Limited (NRL) has announced the discovery of significant copper-gold mineralization in Chagai, Balochistan. The announcement was made by Muhammad Ali Tabba, Chairman of National Resources Limited and CEO of Lucky Cement Limited, during his address at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025.
About National Resources Limited (NRL)
NRL is a 100% Pakistani privately owned company and a subsidiary of Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills Limited, and Lucky Cement. The company was awarded a mining lease in October 2023, covering an area with two known porphyry prospects exhibiting strong exploration potential. Over the past 15 months, NRL has identified 18 new prospects, with one of them, “Tang Kaur,” rapidly advancing to an advanced drilling stage.
Exploration and Drilling Results
Mr. Tabba shared that NRL has completed 13 diamond drill holes (3,517 meters), all of which intersected significant porphyry-style alteration, sheeted and stockwork quartz vein sets, and sulfide mineralization.
Assay results from the first six drill holes (1,500 meters) confirm:
- Strongly mineralized, near-surface zones with downhole intervals ranging from 48 to 148 meters (using a 0.2% copper cut-off grade and up to 10 meters of internal dilution).
- Average grades of the intercepts:
-
- Copper: 0.23% to 0.48%
- Gold: 0.09 to 0.14 g/t
- Silver: 1.30 to 6.21 g/t
- Copper equivalent: 0.28% to 0.56%
The mineralized system remains open to the north, east, and at depth, indicating further potential for expansion.
Future Exploration Plans
- Advanced drilling at Tang Kaur is scheduled for May 2025.
- An NI 43-101 Technical Report will be prepared by internationally recognized consultants by the end of 2025.
- 3–4 years of detailed exploration will follow, leading to feasibility studies.
- Exploration of other prospects and leases will continue simultaneously.
Expansion into Lead-Zinc Exploration
NRL has also acquired a Lead-Zinc exploration license adjacent to a well-known deposit, where a Bankable Feasibility Study has already been conducted. The company is studying a comprehensive metal value chain to assess the feasibility of downstream processing.
Commitment to Local Communities & Sustainability
NRL considers indigenous populations as key stakeholders and actively supports social development through:
- Clean water initiatives
- Education & healthcare programs
- Local employment & business opportunities (current local employment ratio exceeds 90%)
The company fosters industry-academia collaboration and remains committed to sustainable mining practices, believing that mining prospers only when local communities benefit directly.
Collaboration with Government & Future Initiatives
NRL is working closely with:
- Government of Balochistan
- Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)
Key initiatives include:
- Securing two additional Copper-Gold Exploration licenses in Chagai, backed by a $100 million exploration fund.
- Signed an MOU with Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL) for joint work on newly acquired leases.
- Plans to bring national and international investors into the project as needed.
Acknowledgments & Future Vision
NRL sincerely thanks the Government of Balochistan (GoB) and SIFC for their support. The company remains committed to advancing mineral development in Balochistan, paving the way for Pakistan-led exploration. With continued support, NRL is confident that more domestic companies will join the mining sector, driving growth and development for the betterment of Balochistan and Pakistan.
