Fatima Fertilizer reveals major copper-gold discovery in Balochistan

April 08, 2025 (MLN): Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited (PSX: FATIMA), through its 33.33% equity stake in National Resources (Private) Limited (NRL), has revealed a significant copper-gold mineralization discovery at its exploration lease in District Chagai, Balochistan.

The exploration lease was granted in October 2023. NRL has identified multiple prospects in the leased area, with one of the most advanced being "Tang Kaur," where drilling has progressed significantly.

The company has completed 13 diamond drill holes, totaling 3,517 meters, with the first six holes (1,500 meters) confirming mineralized zones ranging from 48 to 148 meters.

The average grades of the intercepts are between 0.23% to 0.48% copper, 0.09 to 0.14 g/t gold, and 1.30 to 6.21 g/t silver, resulting in a copper equivalent of 0.28% to 0.56%.

The mineralized system remains open to the north, east, and at depth, the notification issued to the local bourse.

Advanced drilling at Tang Kaur is scheduled for May 2025, with the company planning to release an NI 43-101 Technical Report by the end of the year.

This will be followed by 3-4 years of detailed exploration, leading to feasibility studies, while exploration of other prospects continues.

In addition, NRL has acquired a Lead-Zinc exploration lease adjacent to a well-known deposit, where a Bankable Feasibility Study has already been conducted.

The company is also studying a comprehensive metal value chain to evaluate the feasibility of downstream processing.

NRL actively involves Indigenous populations as key stakeholders, supporting social development through initiatives such as clean water, education, healthcare, and local employment/businesses, with the local employment rate currently exceeding 90%.

The company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and industry-academia collaboration.

Further, NRL is working with the Government of Balochistan and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to secure two additional Copper-Gold exploration licenses, supported by a $100 million exploration fund.

The company also plans to attract additional local and international investors.

An MOU has been signed with Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) for joint work on newly acquired leases.

Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited views these developments as a positive step toward diversifying its portfolio and generating long-term value for its stakeholders.

However, shareholders are advised that the discovery and related activities are still at a preliminary stage, and further studies are required to assess the economic and commercial viability of the mineralization.

The company will continue to provide updates as progress is made.

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