Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah of Sindh announced that two mining blocks have saved the country USD3.2 billion.
- The operational blocks are part of a policy framework designed to develop Pakistan’s mineral resources.
- SECMC CEO Amir Iqbal emphasized the need for sustained partnerships in transforming the mining sector.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah of Sindh highlighted the significant role that two operational Thar coal mining blocks have played in saving the country USD3.2 billion through the use of indigenous resources, during a Mining Technical Conference 2026.
Addressing the conference organised by the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), he stated that the provincial government has established the legal and policy framework necessary for the development of Thar coal, leading to these operational blocks.
The chief minister noted that Pakistan’s vast untapped mineral resources require investment and modern technology. He stressed that the Government of Sindh had already recognised this need and designed a policy framework that facilitated the transformation of these resources into economic value.
Amir Iqbal, CEO of SECMC, underscored the importance of collaboration among industry, academia, and technology in driving the mining sector forward. He said global companies are interested in investigating Pakistan’s mineral resources, with SECMC playing a key role as an organiser to create productive spaces for diverse stakeholders.
Iqbal highlighted that no single organisation can transform the mining sector on its own. “We need sustained partnerships that connect operational experience, academic knowledge, government support and global technological expertise,” he said during his speech at the conference.
The chief minister urged companies to invest not only in mining and machinery but also in people, stating that developing human capital is crucial for leading the industry for decades. He added that Sindh would continue to facilitate responsible investment and partnerships capable of creating long-term benefits for the national economy and local communities.
The conference aimed to build a coordinated framework for the long-term development of Pakistan’s mining industry, with collaboration, skills development, and technological innovation at its core. A key message was that technological advancement cannot take place without parallel investment in people and skills.
Participants discussed common challenges and exchanged knowledge on research, workforce development, and technology adoption to foster practical partnerships within the industry.
I urge the companies to not just invest in mining and machinery but also people.
Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh
Our responsibility as the convenor was to bring the right stakeholders to one table. Mining companies understand operational realities, universities bring research and knowledge, technology providers offer innovative solutions, and the government provides policy direction.
Amir Iqbal, CEO of SECMC
