Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) says it has found 350 million tons of copper in Balochistan, and the Dasht-e-Kain copper discovery in Chagai district could become one of the country’s major mineral finds. The announcement was made at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) in Islamabad.
Dasht-e-Kain Copper: What FWO Found
FWO’s chief executive said the deposit was found in the Dasht-e-Kain area at a drilling depth of 500 metres, based on half of the drilling data released so far. FWO is the only company working on the exploration, with no joint venture partner involved.
The second half of the drilling data is still pending. The full size of the deposit will become clearer once all results are analysed, so the figure may change.
Where It Sits in the Chagai Belt
Dasht-e-Kain lies in the Chagai copper belt, which is also home to the giant Reko Diq copper-gold project and the Saindak mine. Earlier geological studies placed Dasht-e-Kain’s estimated reserves at about 350 million tons, behind only Reko Diq and Saindak among the belt’s evaluated deposits.
Why the Copper Find Matters for Pakistan
Copper demand is rising worldwide because it is a key metal for power grids, electric vehicles and renewable energy. A large domestic deposit could add to Pakistan’s minerals pipeline and draw investor interest at a time when the country is promoting its mining sector at forums such as PMIF26.
What Happens Next
The completion and analysis of the remaining drilling data will show how large and how viable the deposit really is. Exploration results are only a first step, and development would still need studies, approvals and investment. Updates on the minerals sector are available from the FWO website.
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