Pakistan Discovers Huge Gold Reserves, PM Shahbaz Sharif Sees Bright Future
Pakistan has found significant deposits of gold, copper, and silver in Balochistan’s Chagai district. The announcement came during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. The discovery was made by National Resources Limited (NRL), a private sector company that began its exploration in October 2023.
NRL has pinpointed 16 high-potential mining sites across an exploration zone spanning 500 square kilometers. Initial drilling results from the Tang Kore area revealed copper concentrations ranging from 0.23% to 0.48%, gold content between 0.09 to 0.14 grams per tonne, and silver deposits ranging from 1.3 to 6.21 grams per tonne.
At the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that these untapped resources could significantly ease Pakistan’s financial burdens and attract global investments for local mineral processing. He stated this initiative could position Pakistan among the world’s emerging economies.
Additional drilling is planned for May 2025, with a detailed technical report expected by year-end. Backed by a $100 million fund, NRL is actively pursuing additional licenses and has partnered with OGDC to expand its operations.
NRL is strongly committed to helping local communities by hiring over 90% local workers and supporting key services such as clean water, education, and healthcare in nearby areas.
Pakistan’s Economic Outlook: The Potential Impact of the Mineral Project
| Category | Current Status (April 2025) | Projected Impact by 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | $341.3 billion (as of June 2023) | Expected to grow to $500–600 billion through increased exports and annual 5–7% growth |
| Global GDP Rank | 44th globally (based on nominal GDP) | Could improve to 30th–35th, surpassing countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh |
| National Debt | $264.4 billion (2024), projected to reach $411.29 billion by 2029 | Could shrink to $180–200 billion, supported by rising mineral revenues |
| Debt-to-GDP Ratio | 65.2% (as of June 2024) | May fall to 40–45%, signaling stronger economic stability |
| Economic Conditions | Zero GDP growth (2023), 23.4% inflation, reduced imports | Potential for 5–7% growth, 6–8% inflation, and enhanced export capacity |
| Forex Reserves | Critically low, causing import disruptions | Could increase by $10–16 billion from mineral exports, reducing reliance on external aid |
