In a historic moment for Pakistan, new reserves of gold, copper, and silver have been discovered in the Chagai district of Balochistan. The announcement, made by National Resources Limited (NRL) during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, has ignited hope for economic revival. Sources confirm the discovery was recently uncovered through advanced exploration, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir attending the unveiling.
Why It Matters: This discovery could transform Pakistan’s economy, reduce national debt, and position the country as a global mining leader.
Where and How It Happened
The reserves were found in the Tang Kore area of Chagai, a region already known for its mineral potential. NRL launched exploration in October 2023, covering a 500 square kilometer area and identifying 16 promising sites. Early drilling results from Tang Kore revealed:
- Copper: 0.23% to 0.48%
- Gold: 0.09 to 0.14 grams per tonne
- Silver: 1.3 to 6.21 grams per tonne
Further drilling is planned for May 2025, with a comprehensive report expected by the end of 2025.
Chagai’s Mineral Legacy
Chagai is no stranger to mineral wealth. The region hosts the Reko Diq project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits, identified in the 1990s. Other areas like Saindak have also yielded copper and gold since the 1970s. However, the Tang Kore discovery is unique, marking the first major find in this specific zone, expanding Pakistan’s mining footprint.
Previous explorations in Chagai faced challenges like limited investment and infrastructure. NRL’s advanced technology and strategic approach have now unlocked new potential.
Economic Impact: A Game-Changer
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the discovery as a solution to Pakistan’s financial woes. If developed effectively, the project could:
- Boost GDP from $341.3 billion (2025) to $500–600 billion by 2030
- Reduce national debt from $264.4 billion to $180–200 billion
- Lower debt-to-GDP ratio from 65.2% to 40–45%
- Increase foreign reserves by $10–15 billion
- Create thousands of jobs and enhance exports
The project is expected to attract foreign investment and promote local mineral processing, reducing reliance on imports.
| Indicator | Current (2025) | Projected (2030) |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | $341.3 billion | $500–600 billion |
| Global GDP Rank | 44th | 30th–35th |
| National Debt | $264.4 billion | $180–200 billion |
| Growth Rate | 0% | 5–7% |
| Inflation | 23.4% | 6–8% |
NRL’s Role and Community Support
NRL, with a $100 million investment fund, is leading the charge. The company is collaborating with the Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) to secure additional mining licenses. Notably, 90% of NRL’s workforce consists of local hires, boosting employment in Balochistan.
Beyond mining, NRL is investing in the community by supporting:
- Clean water initiatives
- Education programs
- Healthcare facilities
These efforts reflect NRL’s commitment to sustainable development in Chagai.
Looking Ahead
With proper planning and investment, this discovery could position Pakistan as a key player in the global mining industry. The government aims to streamline regulations and improve infrastructure to maximize benefits. As Pakistan digs deeper into this opportunity, the world watches with anticipation.