Exploration drilling identifies extensive copper-gold mineralisation in Chagai district, with further drilling planned to depths of 1,000 metres in 2027.
KARACHI: Mari Energies Limited has announced a significant copper and gold discovery at its East Siah Diq (ESD-1) exploration target in Balochistan’s Chagai district, strengthening Pakistan’s mineral exploration prospects.
In a material information disclosure submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday, November 13, the company said its wholly owned subsidiary, Mari Minerals (Private) Limited, had identified porphyry-style copper-gold mineralisation in the Koh-i-Sultan area.
The discovery site is located near the Siah Diq Project, approximately 50 kilometres east of the Reko Diq copper-gold development project and 25 kilometres northwest of Nokkundi.
Exploration drilling reveals copper and gold mineralisation
Mari Minerals has completed approximately 25,000 metres of exploration drilling across two phases, using vertical drill holes reaching depths of 500 metres.
The drilling identified mineralisation beneath approximately 100 metres of unconsolidated overburden, covering an area of around 1.4 square kilometres.
The company reported that the mineralisation contains chalcopyrite, pyrite, bornite and molybdenite.
Assay results from 20 Phase 1A drill holes, analysed by SGS Pakistan, revealed several substantial mineralised intervals.
The highlights include:
• ESD-1-DD-017: 400.25 metres averaging 0.50% copper and 0.11 grams per tonne (g/t) gold.
• ESD-1-DD-011: 392.7 metres averaging 0.45% copper and 0.14 g/t gold.
• ESD-1-DD-016: 404.2 metres averaging 0.43% copper and 0.12 g/t gold.
• ESD-1-DD-015: 408.4 metres averaging 0.42% copper and 0.11 g/t gold.
• ESD-1-DD-007: 406.6 metres averaging 0.41% copper and 0.11 g/t gold.
The results also showed varying concentrations of molybdenum across the drill intervals.
Mari Energies plans deeper exploration
Assaying of Phase 1B drill samples is underway and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
Mari Minerals plans further step-out drilling and deeper exploration extending to 1,000 metres, as mineralisation remains open below the currently explored depth of 500 metres.
Data from both exploration phases will support an initial geological model and resource estimate.
However, the company cautioned that additional drilling, metallurgical testing and technical studies are necessary to establish the deposit’s commercial potential and economic viability.