Balochistan’s mineral wealth is back in the spotlight after National Resources Limited announced the identification of copper and gold mineralisation at eight sites in Chagai district. The Pakistani-owned company has completed nearly 25,000 metres of drilling across its exploration programme, with promising results from Darigwan, adjoining its earlier Tang Kaur discovery. On the same day, Canadian mining giant Barrick expressed interest in establishing mineral processing industries in Karachi and Gwadar during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These developments lend considerable weight to Pakistan’s efforts to turn its mineral resources into an engine of economic growth.
There is good reason for optimism, although the numbers still need to be read carefully. One of NRL’s drill holes encountered mineralisation over 295 metres, averaging 0.43 per cent copper and 0.13 grams of gold per tonne. Within that interval, a 132-metre section yielded a higher copper grade of 0.83 per cent. The company, backed by prominent Pakistani industrial groups, has committed $100 million to exploration and expects to undertake further technical and environmental studies. The findings are encouraging, particularly for a country seeking to attract investment in sectors where its natural advantages have long remained underused.
Pakistan has traditionally struggled to extract the full economic value of its natural resources, with limited domestic capacity to transform raw materials into higher-value products. By extension, processing facilities in Karachi and Gwadar could also strengthen port activity, generate skilled employment and connect Balochistan’s mineral sector with the wider national economy. Their success will depend on competitive energy supplies, transport infrastructure and sound commercial planning. The government’s renewed emphasis on mineral development has also helped revive international interest in Pakistan’s mining sector. The recent agreement between Ivanhoe Mines and Mari Minerals to explore copper and gold in Chagai adds to this momentum.
Reko Diq, meanwhile, remains central to these ambitions. Barrick’s decision earlier this year to slow development amid security concerns and extend its project review until mid-2027 illustrates the practical difficulties associated with projects of this scale. The state has a considerable responsibility to provide a secure and predictable environment for investors, contractors and workers. Much will depend on maintaining that confidence and ensuring that administrative processes keep pace with commercial requirements.
The benefits for Balochistan deserve particular attention. Large mining projects can create opportunities well beyond extraction, provided local communities are equipped to participate in them.
NRL’s employment of Baloch geologists alongside international consultants offers an encouraging example of how local expertise can be brought into the picture.
Pakistan has every reason to welcome the renewed interest in its mineral resources. The challenge now is to sustain the momentum through dependable infrastructure, investment-friendly policies and effective coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
