QUETTA (April 23, 2026) — At least nine people, including two security guards, were killed on Wednesday evening after unidentified armed assailants attacked a mining project site in Balochistan’s Chagai district. The attack targeted the Darigwan site of National Resources Limited (NRL), a prominent copper and gold exploration project.
Highlights
- 9 confirmed dead; victims include project employees and security personnel.
- Darigwan project, located in the mineral-rich Chagai district near the Afghan border.
- Frontier Corps (FC) and police launched a clearance operation immediately following the incident.
- The company noted that over 90% of its workforce at the site consists of local residents from Balochistan.
🚨Big: Balochistan chaghi :
9 people including 2 security personals and 2 foreigners were killed in an attack on gas,oil company. pic.twitter.com/LahFGmwDmg— War Report (@warreport21) April 23, 2026
Mining Operations Under Threat
National Resources Limited (NRL)—a joint venture between Lucky Cement, Fatima Fertiliser, and Liberty Mills—confirmed the attack but emphasized its continued commitment to the economic upliftment of the province. While the company’s official statement focused on security coordination and employee safety, local administration officials in Dalbandin confirmed that the bodies were moved to Prince Fahad Hospital.
The Chagai district is home to some of Pakistan’s most significant mineral discoveries, and this incident marks a serious security challenge for the country’s burgeoning mining sector. NRL recently reported substantial copper-gold and lead-zinc deposits in the area, which are seen as vital to Pakistan’s long-term economic recovery.
Security and Regional Context
The attack comes at a time of heightened regional tension, though no group has yet claimed responsibility. Security forces have cordoned off the area and are currently conducting a search operation in the surrounding mountains to apprehend the perpetrators.
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