Mashki Chah

What a Mineral Treasure! Mashki Chah, near Reko Diq, Pakistan, is renowned for its substantial mineral potential, particularly in copper, gold, and other metals.

Mashki Chah is a small village located between Nokkundi and Reko Diq, in the Chagai District of Pakistan. The Mashki Chah area is renowned for its substantial mineral potential, particularly in copper, gold, and other metallic minerals. The Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) has conducted several surveys and studies in the region, which is part of the larger Tethyan Metallogenic Belt, hosting world-class deposits like Reko Diq and Saindak.

The mineral wealth of District Chagai originates from its location on the Tethyan Eurasian Metallogenic Belt. This ten-thousand-kilometer-long belt is famous worldwide for its high-quality porphyry copper and large sulfide deposits, having formed when the Afro-Arabian and Eurasian plates collided (after the earlier Tethyan ocean collapsed). Specific local geology further enriches this potential. The ancient submarine Sanjrani Volcanic Group dominates the area, with younger, multi-phase porphyry intrusions found in the northeast and northwest. Sedimentary sequences in the southeast and southwest add to the region’s remarkable mineral diversity.

Findings of the GSP on Mashki Chah Anomaly

The Geological Survey of Pakistan has mapped the area as part of the Chagai Magmatic Arc, which is highly prospective for porphyry copper-gold deposits. The geology consists of volcanic and intrusive rocks, including andesites, granodiorites, and diorites, which are favorable for mineralization. The area has copper and gold found in quartz veins and stockwork zones, just like the nearby Reko Diq deposit. Molybdenum (Mo) and silver (Ag) have also been reported in trace amounts. Stream sediment and soil geochemical surveys by GSP indicate anomalous concentrations of Cu, Au, and Zn in the Mashki Chah area. The geological setting of Mashki Chah is similar to Reko Diq, raising the possibility of a major undiscovered deposit. However, detailed drilling and feasibility studies are required to confirm economic viability. Advanced exploration requires further joint ventures with international mining companies.

Image courtesy of the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP).

Aeromagnetic Surveys and the Discovery of Key Mineral Anomalies:

During the decade 1950–60, extensive aeromagnetic surveys were conducted across Chagai, leading to the identification of multiple high-potential mineral anomalies. Among these, the Mashki Chah deposit emerged as a significant find, alongside other major deposits, as follows:

Chinese enterprises discovered and are currently operating the Saindak Copper-Gold Deposit.
Reko Diq Complex—One of the world’s largest untapped copper-gold reserves, divided into 27 anomalies, with exploration rights held by Barrick Gold Corporation.
Koh-e-Dalil & Koh-e-Sultan—hosting gold-copper porphyry systems, with licenses held by international firms.
Durban-Chah & Chil-Gazzi—Significant iron ore deposits under local and PIDC ownership.
Dasht-e-Kain & Zardakan—Copper-gold deposits with Chinese and local involvement.
These discoveries underscore Chagai’s status as a global mining hotspot, with vast untapped resources awaiting development.

Mashki Chah: The Largest Untapped Iron Ore Deposit in Chagai

The Mashki Chah deposit, spanning over an area of 7,000 acres, remains one of the most substantial yet unexploited iron ore reserves in Pakistan. Unlike other deposits, it completely conceals itself beneath alluvial cover, lacking surface outcrops. However, dark iron oxide traces on the surface and subsurface trenches (ranging from 2 to 20 feet deep) confirm its mineral wealth.

Mashki Chah Mineral Deposit: Ground Magnetic Survey 2013

Key Geological Features:

Located just 500 meters north of the Sanjrani Volcanic Group, trending east-west.
Comprises multiple sub-anomalies, indicating extensive mineralization.
Adjacent to the Chigeen-Diq iron ore operation, which produces 20,000 tons/day of 58% Fe ore, dipping gently toward Mashki Chah.

Strategic Advantages of Mashki Chah:

Proven Magnetic Anomaly—Strong aeromagnetic and ground survey confirmations.
Proximity to Infrastructure—Only 10 km from the Quetta-Taftan Railway & Highway, facilitating logistics.
Local Ownership & Support—Mining leases fully owned by Chagai-based stakeholders; minimal population ensures smooth operations.
Low Environmental Risk—No major pollution concerns due to sparse habitation.

Progress in Exploration & Future Steps:

Actions Taken So Far:

Land Acquisition & Legal Documentation—Completed with the Balochistan Mines & Minerals Department.
Boundary Demarcation—The entire lease area is mapped and secured.
Geophysical Surveys—80% ground magnetic surveys (2013 and 2018) validated the 1962 aeromagnetic findings.
Limited Drilling (2021)— Three exploratory boreholes were conducted; trenching is ongoing.

Mashki Chah Mineral Deposit: Ground Magnetic Survey 2018

Next Steps for Development:

✅ Detailed Geological Mapping – Surface studies to refine ore body models.
✅ Advanced Ground Magnetic Surveys – high-resolution data collection.
✅ Core Drilling Program – Assess depth, tonnage, and ore grade.
✅ Chemical Assaying – Determine the iron content and associated minerals.
✅ Feasibility & Market Study – Economic viability assessment.

A Call for Strategic Investment in Mashki Chah’s (Chagai) Untapped Potential:

District Chagai is a proven global mining hotspot, home to world-class deposits like Reko Diq and Saindak. The Mashki Chah anomaly, spanning 7,000 acres, presents a high-value opportunity for investors seeking copper, gold, or iron ore in a region with a strong mineral endowment. While initial surveys indicate a major magnetic anomaly, further exploration is required to confirm its full potential—making it a prime target for joint ventures under mutually beneficial terms.

Why Invest in Mashki Chah?

✔ High-Prospect Geology – Located in the same Tethyan metallogenic belt as Reko Diq and Saindak, suggesting potential for copper-gold porphyry or iron ore systems.
✔ Proven Infrastructure – Just 10 km from the Quetta-Taftan Railway, enabling cost-effective logistics.
✔ Local Partnership Advantage – The leaseholders (local stakeholders from Chagai) are open to joint ventures, equity partnerships, or exploration agreements with foreign investors.
✔ Low-Entry: Early-stage investment allows for high rewards as exploration progresses.

Mashki Chah Mineral Deposit: Ground Magnetic Survey 2021

Invitation to Investors:

We invite global mining firms, investment consortia, and strategic partners to collaborate in unlocking Mashki Chah’s potential. Our team is prepared to negotiate flexible terms, which include the following:

Exploration Joint Ventures (JV)—Shared investment in drilling and feasibility studies.
Production-Sharing Agreements—Structured returns based on mineral discovery and extraction.
Long-Term Lease Options—Secure mining rights upon confirmation of reserves.

Mashki Chah Mineral Deposit: Ground Magnetic Survey 2021

Next Steps:

🔹 Phase 1: Advanced Exploration – Geophysical surveys, core drilling, and ore analysis.
🔹 Phase 2: Feasibility & Dev.—Resource estimation, metallurgical testing, mine planning.
🔹 Phase 3: Production & Profitability – Operational scaling with investor support.

Let’s Partner for Success:

Experimental Core Drilling 2021 in Mashki Chah.

During 2021, the owners collected their meager financial resources and carried out three core drillings with the help of a locally assembled drilling machine on the Mashki Chah mineral anomaly. The operators lacked the technical expertise to obtain samples at specific points, and the machine was limited to a maximum depth of eighty (80) running feet only.

Mashki Chah Mineral Deposit: Experimental Core Drilling 2021

Despite all deficiencies, some samples of iron ore resembling copper and gold were available. The iron ore samples were found close to the surface. It may be added that prior to our camping on this plain site of Mashki Chah, ample iron stones were spread all over the area where the mineral anomaly is dumped. However, the deposits of copper and gold appear to be located beneath the iron ore layer of the anomaly. The samples were found as per the following images:

Mashki Chah Anomaly: Samples of Iron Ore 2021

Sample Images of Shining Ore Mashki Chah.

These sample ores were retrieved during 2021 drillings, which were identical to those found in the famous Sandak Metal (Copper-Gold) Project already taken by the Chinese and the Reko Diq Mining Corporation, recently resumed by Barrick Gold and its allies, and which will be excavated and mined from 2028 onward.

Mashki Chah Mineral Anomaly: Ore Samples 2021