Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), one of the country’s leading natural gas suppliers, has received conditional approval from the Government of Balochistan to explore minerals in Chagai district. The announcement was made in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday.
The approval covers exploration license EL-331, allowing PPL to investigate precious and base metals along with associated minerals in Balochistan. The company said this move is part of its strategy to diversify beyond hydrocarbons and strengthen its long-term business sustainability.
The final grant of the license will depend on the completion of all legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements. Last year, PPL entered a joint venture with Degan Exploration Works (DEW) for a mineral exploration license in Chagai. The area lies in the Chagai Metallogenic Belt, which is renowned for significant copper and gold deposits, including Reko Diq and Saindak.
PPL operates key oil and gas fields in Pakistan, including the Sui gas field, and holds non-operating interests in several onshore and offshore projects. The company continues to expand its exploration portfolio to include both hydrocarbons and minerals.
Earlier this month, PPL also announced a strategic partnership with Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC), a subsidiary of Turkiye’s national oil company TPAO. The partnership focuses on the farm-out process of the Eastern Offshore Indus C Block, aiming to boost offshore exploration and strengthen Pakistan-Turkiye energy cooperation.
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With this conditional approval in Balochistan, PPL is set to enhance its footprint in Pakistan’s mineral sector while contributing to the province’s economic development. The company emphasized its commitment to sustainable growth and long-term investments in both energy and mineral resources.
