Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has reported a major copper discovery in Balochistan’s Chagai district. The organisation has identified an estimated 350 million tons of copper in the Dasht-e-Kain area.
The reported discovery comes from drilling conducted at a depth of 500 metres. The estimate is based on only half of the drilling data released so far. FWO’s chief executive announced the development during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) in Islamabad. The announcement has brought fresh attention to the mineral potential of Balochistan.
According to the available information, FWO is currently the only company involved in exploration at the site. It is not working with any joint venture partner on the project. The second half of the drilling data is still pending. The complete size of the copper deposit will become clearer after all results are released and analysed.
Dasht-e-Kain is located within the Chagai copper belt. The region is already known for major mineral projects, including the Reko Diq copper-gold project and Saindak mine. Earlier geological studies had estimated Dasht-e-Kain’s reserves at approximately 350 million tons. Among the evaluated deposits in the belt, only Reko Diq and Saindak had larger estimates.
The latest announcement adds to growing interest in the region’s mineral resources. Several companies have also reported new exploration developments across Chagai. National Resources Limited (NRL) recently announced copper and gold discoveries at eight locations in the district. Mari Energies also reported a gold and copper discovery near Reko Diq.
These developments could increase attention towards Pakistan’s mining sector. However, further exploration and detailed assessments will be important in establishing the full commercial potential of these deposits. Copper is an important material for several growing industries worldwide. It is widely used in electricity networks, electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
Global demand for the metal has increased its importance for countries with significant mineral resources. Large copper deposits could support Pakistan’s export ambitions and attract investment. The FWO announcement also comes during an important investment event. A total of 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the two-day PMIF26 forum.
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The government is using the event to attract foreign investment into Pakistan’s mining industry. The reported discovery adds another development to the country’s ongoing mineral exploration efforts. Further details about the Dasht-e-Kain deposit are expected after the remaining drilling data is analysed. Until then, the reported 350 million tons remain based on the information released so far.
