Pakistan, Nov. 14 -- Balochistan's mineral wealth is back in the spotlight after National Resources Limited announced the identification of copper and gold mineralisation at eight sites in Chagai district. The Pakistani-owned company has completed nearly 25,000 metres of drilling across its exploration programme, with promising results from Darigwan, adjoining its earlier Tang Kaur discovery. On the same day, Canadian mining giant Barrick expressed interest in establishing mineral processing industries in Karachi and Gwadar during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These developments lend considerable weight to Pakistan's efforts to turn its mineral resources into an engine of economic growth.

There is good reason for optimism...