Nine killed in armed attack at copper and gold site in Balochistan’s Chagai

Rabbia Zafar | 2 days ago

Balochistan Chagai mining site attack

At least nine people working at a copper and gold exploration site in Balochistan’s Chagai district were killed in an armed attack carried out by unidentified assailants on Wednesday evening, according to local authorities and security officials.

The mining company National Resources Limited (NRL) confirmed the incident in a statement, saying security forces, including the Frontier Corps, responded promptly after the attack, secured the area, and launched a clearance operation. However, the company did not initially confirm casualties in its official statement.

A senior official from the Chagai administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that at least nine employees, including two security guards, were killed in the attack. Police officials also verified the incident and the death toll. The bodies were later shifted to Prince Fahad Hospital in Dalbandin.

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NRL stated that it remains committed to the development and economic uplift of local communities in Balochistan, adding that more than 90% of its workforce at the Darigwan site consists of individuals from the province. The company emphasized that it is cooperating closely with relevant authorities and that the safety and security of its employees and operations remain its top priority.

The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in mineral-rich regions of Balochistan, where exploration and mining activities are often targeted by armed groups. Authorities have not yet identified the attackers, and investigations are underway.

NRL is a Pakistani mining joint venture involving Lucky Cement, Fatima Fertiliser, and Liberty Mills. The company is engaged in exploration of copper, gold, and lead-zinc deposits in Chagai and has previously reported significant mineral findings. Lucky Cement holds a 33.33% stake in the project.

Security operations in the area are continuing as officials attempt to track those responsible for the deadly assault.