KARACHI: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), one of the country’s leading energy companies, has received conditional approval from the Government of Balochistan for a new mineral exploration license (EL-331).
The license covers the exploration of precious and base metals, along with associated minerals, in District Chaghai — part of the renowned Chaghai Metallogenic Belt, which hosts globally recognized copper and gold deposits, including Reko Diq and Saindak.
This development marks a major step in PPL’s strategy to diversify beyond its core hydrocarbons business and strengthen its role in Pakistan’s growing minerals sector. The company emphasized that the conditional approval underscores its commitment to long-term sustainability and resource development.
PPL is already active in the region through a joint venture for another license (EL-207) in Chaghai and a strategic collaboration with Finland’s Metso Corporation to advance mineral exploration and processing in Pakistan.
The company noted that the final approval of the new license will follow the fulfillment of all legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements.
Story by Muhammad Saqib
