Massive New Gold Reserves Have Been Discovered Near Balochistan 2025

Pakistan’s economy just got a golden boost! National Resources Limited (NRL) has uncovered massive gold and copper reserves in Balochistan’s Chagai district, announced at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. With global gold prices soaring past $3,400 per ounce, this discovery could transform Pakistan’s financial landscape. From job creation to foreign investment, here’s everything Pakistanis need to know about this exciting find, its benefits, challenges, and what’s next!

What’s New in 2025?

On April 8, 2025, NRL, a Pakistani company under Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills, and Lucky Cement, revealed significant gold and copper deposits in Chagai’s Tang Kore area. After securing an exploration license in October 2023, NRL drilled 13 diamond holes (3,517 meters), all showing mineralized zones with copper at 0.23%–0.48% and traces of gold and silver. Advanced drilling starts in September 2025, with an NI 43-101 technical report due by December. Backed by a $100 million fund and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), this could be a game-changer for Balochistan and Pakistan!

Key Project Details

• Location: Tang Kore, Chagai district, Balochistan, within the mineral-rich Tethyan Magmatic Arc.
• Resources: Gold, copper, and silver; nearby Reko Diq has 5.9 billion tonnes of ore (0.41% copper, 0.22g/t gold).
• Exploration: 16 potential sites identified across 500 sq km; 13 drill holes completed, more planned for 2025–2029.
• Investment: $100 million for exploration, with NRL seeking two more licenses.
• Timeline: Feasibility studies by 2029; commercial mining expected by 2030–2032.

Who Benefits?

• Local Communities: Over 90% of NRL’s workforce is local, with jobs in drilling, logistics, and support services.
• Investors: Pakistani and foreign firms, including Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals, eyeing stakes.
• Government: Boost to Pakistan’s $11 billion foreign reserves through royalties and taxes.
• Businesses: Opportunities in mining equipment, logistics, and downstream processing.

Requirements for Involvement

• For Communities: No formal requirements; locals can apply for jobs via NRL’s office in Quetta or (website expected by 2026).
• For Investors: Minimum investment of $50,000–$1 million for partnerships; contact SIFC or NRL.
• Documents: CNIC for job applications; financial statements for investors.
• Environmental Compliance: NRL must follow Balochistan’s environmental laws, including impact assessments (cost: $10,000–$50,000).

How It Works: Project Phases

1. Exploration (2023–2025): Drilling at Tang Kore to confirm reserves; 16 sites identified.
2. Advanced Drilling (September 2025): Detailed tests to map deposit size and quality.
3. Technical Report (December 2025): NI 43-101 report by global consultants to attract investors.
4. Feasibility Studies (2026–2029): Assess mining costs, infrastructure, and profits.
5. Mining (2030–2032): Full-scale operations, creating 5,000–10,000 jobs in Balochistan.

Benefits for Pakistanis

• Economic Boost: Could add billions to Pakistan’s economy, easing debt and boosting reserves (currently $11 billion).
• Job Creation: 5,000–10,000 jobs by 2030, especially for Balochistan’s youth, where unemployment is 15%.
• Local Development: NRL’s clean water, healthcare, and education programs support Chagai communities.
• Foreign Investment: Saudi Arabia’s potential 15% stake and Barrick Gold’s $2 billion in Reko Diq signal global interest.
• Export Growth: Gold and copper exports could reduce Pakistan’s import reliance, saving $5–10 billion annually.
• Infrastructure: Improved roads and power supply in Chagai, benefiting locals .

Challenges to Watch

• Security Risks: Balochistan’s unrest, with insurgent attacks on projects, demands robust security (Pakistan Army pledged support).
• Revenue Sharing: Past projects like Saindak gave Balochistan only 2%–6.5% of profits, sparking local distrust.
• Environmental Impact: Mining could harm Chagai’s ecosystem; NRL must follow strict regulations or face $100,000 fines.
• Delays: Legal and economic issues delayed Reko Diq for decades; Tang Kore needs 3–4 years of studies.
• High Costs: $100 million exploration budget may rise, straining Pakistan’s finances.

Tips for Pakistanis

• Stay Informed: Follow updates on www.nrl.com.pk or Dawn.com for job and investment opportunities.
• Apply Early: Register for jobs with NRL in Quetta to secure roles in construction or logistics.
• Support Local Advocacy: Push for fair revenue sharing (25% for Balochistan, like Reko Diq) via community forums.
• Budget for Investment: Small investors can join mining funds (starting at PKR 50,000) through SIFC.
• Share the News: Spread this on WhatsApp to raise awareness about Balochistan’s golden future.

What’s Next?

The Chagai discovery, alongside Reko Diq’s $60 billion reserves, positions Balochistan as Pakistan’s mineral hub. With NRL’s $100 million fund and SIFC support, mining could start by 2030, creating thousands of jobs and boosting exports. However, fair revenue sharing and security are key to success.

Disclaimer: Based on August 2025 data. Verify details with NRL or SIFC.