Metallic Minerals of Pakistan
An evidence-governed geological index of metallic ores, magmatic arc deposits, and ophiolitic occurrences across Pakistan. Enigma Earth provides technical assay verification, exploration support, and qualified trade due diligence under strict claim boundaries.
All metallic ores require certified composite lot assaying for primary grade (Cu, Fe, Cr2O3, Mn) and penalty element concentrations (As, Sb, Bi, P, S).
Metallogenic Setting & Ore Genesis
Pakistan's metallic mineralization is dominated by major convergent geodynamic regimes: the Chagai-Ras Koh calc-alkaline magmatic arc in Balochistan (hosting major porphyry copper-gold and magnetite skarns), the Neo-Tethyan ophiolite sutures extending through Muslim Bagh, Bela, Waziristan, Dargai, and Kohistan (hosting podiform chromite and associated volcanogenic massive sulfides), and the Axial Fold Belt hosting sediment-hosted and Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) lead-zinc deposits.
Metallic Minerals Evidence Register
Official evidence classifications, verified regional belts, buyer specifications, and claim boundaries.
Mandatory Claim Boundary: Evidence classification describes the available regional record. It does not establish current Enigma Earth inventory, commercial grade, sale authority or immediate availability.
| Commodity & Mineralogy | Evidence Status | Primary Regional Belts | Example Buyer Requirements & Claim Boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Ore & Concentrates Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), Bornite (Cu5FeS4), Malachite (Cu2CO3(OH)2) Commercial SourcingDossier | [P]Official Production Evidence Porphyry copper-gold systems associated with calc-alkaline intrusions in the Chagai arc; secondary supergene oxide enrichment and hydrothermal vein occurrences in ophiolitic volcanics. | Chagai Magmatic Arc (Saindak, Reko Diq belt) North Waziristan (Boye, Shinkai copper-bearing volcanics) | Spec Target: Copper Content (Cu) 20.0% to 28.0% Cu in flotation concentrates; run-of-mine direct-shipping ore (DSO) 1.5% - 4.0% Cu where available Limits: Arsenic (As) < 0.20%, Antimony (Sb) < 0.05%, Bismuth (Bi) < 0.05%, Lead (Pb) < 0.50%, Mercury (Hg) < 10 ppm Commercial export of copper concentrates requires official clearance and title tracing. Commercial viability requires independent third-party assay (e.g. ALS, SGS, Alfred H Knight). Occurrence does not equal extraction or commercial grade. Major porphyry reserves (such as Reko Diq) are held under state-authorized consortium agreements and are not available for private trade. |
| Chromite Ore (Metallurgical & Refractory) Chromite ((Fe,Mg)Cr2O4) Commercial SourcingDossier | [P]Official Production Evidence Podiform chromite deposits hosted in serpentinized harzburgites and dunites of Neo-Tethyan mantle peridotite sections. | Muslim Bagh, Khanozai, Bela, and Zhob ophiolite complexes Dargai (Malakand) and Kohistan ophiolitic sequences | Spec Target: Chromium Oxide (Cr2O3) & Cr:Fe Ratio Typical Buyer Target (Metallurgical): 46.0% - 52.0% Cr2O3 (Cr:Fe typically 2.6:1 to 3.0:1); Medium/Refractory Grade: 38.0% - 44.0% Cr2O3 (Cr:Fe 2.2:1 - 2.6:1). Grade, Cr:Fe ratio, and low silica/phosphorus must be verified per lot. Limits: Silica (SiO2) < 4.5% (metallurgical), Phosphorus (P) < 0.007%, Sulfur (S) < 0.02% Chromite metallurgical quality depends on Cr2O3 content, Cr:Fe ratio (typically 2.6:1 to 3.0:1 for metallurgical grade), and low silica/phosphorus, which must be verified per lot. Commercial viability requires independent third-party assay (e.g. ALS, SGS, Alfred H Knight). Occurrence does not equal extraction or commercial grade. |
| Iron Ore (Magnetite & Sedimentary) Magnetite (Fe3O4), Hematite (Fe2O3), Chamosite-Goethite (Oolitic) Commercial SourcingDossier | [P]Official Production Evidence High-grade hydrothermal skarn magnetite associated with dioritic intrusions (Pachinkoh, Chigendik); low-to-medium grade sedimentary oolitic ironstone deposits (Kalabagh, Dilband). | Chagai & Ras Koh (Pachinkoh, Chigendik skarn deposits); Dilband (sedimentary) Salt Range & Chichali / Kalabagh (oolitic sedimentary deposits) Chitral (Dammer Nissar magnetite); Abbottabad (Langrial oolitic) | Spec Target: Total Iron (Fe) Chagai Skarn Magnetite: 56.0% - 62.0% Fe; Sedimentary Oolitic: 32.0% - 42.0% Fe (requires beneficiation) Limits: Silica (SiO2) < 5.0% for high grade, Phosphorus (P) < 0.08% (Kalabagh ore often exceeds 0.25% P, incurring penalty), Sulfur (S) < 0.05% Sedimentary deposits in Punjab and Dilband host substantial indicated tonnage but possess refractory metallogeny (high phosphorus and silica). They cannot be marketed as direct-charge blast furnace ore without dedicated beneficiation flowsheets. |
| Lead Ore & Galena Concentrates Galena (PbS), Cerussite (PbCO3), Anglesite (PbSO4) Non-Bulk / Subject to ConcessionDossier | [H]Historical Extraction Evidence Sediment-hosted and Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) stratabound deposits in Jurassic Shirinab Formation limestones and shales; hydrothermal veins in metasediments. | Lasbela-Khuzdar Metallogenic Belt (Duddar, Gunga, Surmai) Besham, Kohistan, and Chitral sulfide occurrences | Spec Target: Lead (Pb) & Silver (Ag) Assay Flotation concentrate: 55.0% - 68.0% Pb; Direct-shipping ore (DSO): 35.0% - 48.0% Pb where available Limits: Arsenic (As) < 0.20%, Antimony (Sb) < 0.30%, Bismuth (Bi) < 0.10%, Mercury (Hg) < 50 ppm Historical extraction at Duddar underground mine is held under specific corporate concessions. Sourcing requires official title tracing, concession documentation, and third-party laboratory verification. Occurrence does not equal extraction or commercial grade. |
| Zinc Ore & Sphalerite Concentrates Sphalerite ((Zn,Fe)S), Smithsonite (ZnCO3), Hemimorphite Non-Bulk / Subject to ConcessionDossier | [H]Historical Extraction Evidence Sediment-hosted stratabound (SEDEX) and Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) zinc mineralization hosted in Jurassic marine carbonate sequences. | Lasbela-Khuzdar Belt (Duddar, Gunga, Surmai, Sekran) Swat, Hazara, and Chitral polymetallic occurrences | Spec Target: Zinc (Zn) & Iron (Fe) Content Flotation concentrate: 48.0% - 55.0% Zn; Crude ore / DSO: 25.0% - 38.0% Zn Limits: Iron (Fe) < 8.0%, Silica (SiO2) < 3.5%, Cadmium (Cd) < 0.30%, Arsenic (As) < 0.15% Zinc deposits in the Lasbela-Khuzdar belt are subject to lease concession verifications and environmental compliance. No direct private spot supply is available without concession validation. |
| Manganese Ore Pyrolusite (MnO2), Psilomelane, Rhodochrosite (MnCO3) Commercial SourcingDossier | [P]Official Production Evidence Volcanogenic-sedimentary exhalative deposits and hydrothermal lenses intercalated with basaltic pillow lavas and cherts in ophiolite suites. | Lasbela (Bela Ophiolite Belt, Kharari Nai, Sanjro) Kurram Agency and North Waziristan volcanic sequences | Spec Target: Manganese (Mn) Content Metallurgical Grade: 38.0% - 46.0% Mn; Chemical/Battery Grade: > 48.0% Mn (high Mn:Fe ratio) Limits: Iron (Fe) < 7.0%, Silica (SiO2) < 8.0%, Phosphorus (P) < 0.12%, Alumina (Al2O3) < 4.0% Manganese lenses in Bela and Kurram vary abruptly in thickness and grade. Shipments must be tested composite-lot by composite-lot rather than assumed homogeneous. |
| Antimony (Stibnite) Stibnite (Sb2S3) Non-Bulk / Subject to ConcessionDossier | [O]Exploration / Occurrence Context Epithermal and mesothermal quartz-stibnite veins emplaced along structural shear zones in slate, sandstone, and schist formations. | Qila Abdullah (Surkhab valley, Shekran) Chitral (Krang, Partsan hydrothermal vein belts) | Spec Target: Antimony (Sb) Content Hand-sorted crude ore: 45.0% - 58.0% Sb; Flotation concentrate: > 60.0% Sb Limits: Arsenic (As) < 0.30%, Lead (Pb) < 0.20%, Copper (Cu) < 0.10%, Mercury (Hg) < 10 ppm Exploration status only. No active commercial bulk production capacity currently operates. Field reports represent artisanal vein diggings and mineralized outcrops requiring systemic diamond drilling. |
| Bauxite & Laterite (Alumina / Cement Feed) Gibbsite (Al(OH)3), Boehmite (AlO(OH)), Kaolinite, Hematite Commercial SourcingDossier | [P]Official Production Evidence Residual weathering crusts and karst bauxites developed along regional unconformities between Mesozoic limestones and Tertiary sedimentary successions. | Salt Range (Khushab, Kattha, Nilawahan unconformity horizon) Kotli & Muzaffarabad (Palaeocene-Eocene unconformity zones) Khuzdar and Ziarat (lateritic horizons) | Spec Target: Alumina (Al2O3) and Silica (SiO2) Refractory Grade: Al2O3 52.0% - 62.0%; Cement Grade: Al2O3 40.0% - 50.0% Limits: Silica (SiO2) < 9.0% for refractory use; Iron (Fe2O3) 12.0% - 22.0% for laterites Pakistani bauxites are predominantly diaspore-boehmite rich with elevated silica (kaolinite). They do not qualify for conventional low-temperature Bayer process alumina refining without intensive pre-desilication. |
Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), Bornite (Cu5FeS4), Malachite (Cu2CO3(OH)2)
Chromite ((Fe,Mg)Cr2O4)
Magnetite (Fe3O4), Hematite (Fe2O3), Chamosite-Goethite (Oolitic)
Galena (PbS), Cerussite (PbCO3), Anglesite (PbSO4)
Sphalerite ((Zn,Fe)S), Smithsonite (ZnCO3), Hemimorphite
Pyrolusite (MnO2), Psilomelane, Rhodochrosite (MnCO3)
Stibnite (Sb2S3)
Gibbsite (Al(OH)3), Boehmite (AlO(OH)), Kaolinite, Hematite
Metallic Commodity Sourcing Verification Checklist
When assessing commercial or exploration propositions for metallic minerals in Pakistan, institutional buyers and project sponsors must establish the following technical baseline prior to contracting:
Title & Concession Validation
Confirm provincial Directorate General of Mines and Minerals (DGMM) lease or exploration license boundaries with cadastral coordinates.
Primary Laboratory Assay
Certified composite lot assay from an accredited independent laboratory (e.g. ALS, SGS, Alfred H Knight, or PCSIR) reporting major elements and critical penalty impurities. Occurrence does not equal extraction or commercial grade.
Transportable Moisture Limit (TML)
Mandatory flow moisture point (FMP) and TML certification under the IMO IMSBC Code for containerized or vessel bulk concentrates.
Cr:Fe and Impurity Ratios
Chromite metallurgical quality depends on Cr2O3 content, Cr:Fe ratio (typically 2.6:1 to 3.0:1 for metallurgical grade), and low silica/phosphorus, which must be verified per lot; iron ore contracts must account for silica, phosphorus, and titania penalties.
Logistics & Weighbridge Corroboration
Physical stockpile inspection with certified tare and gross weighbridge slips at dispatch and port of exit (Karachi / Port Qasim).
Enigma Earth Governance & Operational Claim Boundaries
Evidence Disclaimer: Mineral occurrences, geological anomalies, or historical mining operations do not establish commercial ore reserves, immediate stockpiles, or guaranteed production. In strict adherence to Enigma Earth governance, every commercial proposition requires independent primary assay certification (SGS, Alex Stewart, or accredited equivalent) and statutory concession title validation.
Regional Mineral Context
Metallic concessions are regulated by provincial directorates. Explore regional context pages for detailed geological belts, infrastructure, and cadastre procedures.
Chagai Magmatic Arc, Muslim Bagh Ophiolite, Bela Ophiolite, Lasbela-Khuzdar Belt
Dargai Ophiolite, Kohistan Island Arc, Kurram-Waziristan, Chitral Belts
Salt Range unconformity & Kalabagh-Chichali ironstone belt
Muzaffarabad-Kotli Palaeocene-Eocene unconformity belt
Relevant Technical Services
Core Drilling & Metallurgical Assay
Wireline diamond drilling, core logging, and accredited ICP-OES assay protocols for copper, chromite, and iron deposits.
Exploration ScopeConcentrate Export & TML Testing
Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) certification, port weighing supervision at Port Qasim / Karachi Port, and marine container loading.
Trading ProtocolsConcession Due Diligence & Title
Provincial DGMM concession verification, joint venture advisory, and regulatory clearance for metallic mining tenements.
Concession AdvisoryRequest Technical Assessment for Metallic Minerals
Submit your assay specifications, target volume, or exploration concession parameters to Enigma Earth's senior geological team.