KARACHI, Aug 6 : Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called for sustained investment, modern technology and development of a skilled workforce to unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s mining sector and transform the industry into a major driver of economic growth.
Addressing the country’s first-ever Mining Technical Conference 2026 as chief guest, organised by the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) at a local hotel, the chief minister said Pakistan possessed significant mineral resources that could contribute substantially to the national economy if developed through modern technology, investment and technical expertise.
He described the transformation of Thar from a drought-prone and economically underdeveloped region into Pakistan’s largest energy and mining hub as a remarkable example of what could be achieved through cooperation between the government, private sector, international investors and local communities.
The conference brought together representatives of mining companies, technical experts, equipment manufacturers, academics, development partners and policymakers to deliberate on the future of Pakistan’s mining industry, technological innovation, capacity building, investment opportunities and sustainable development.
Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the future of mining could not depend solely on financial investment and machinery, stressing that human resource development was equally important. He urged mining companies and other stakeholders to strengthen their links with universities, technical institutions and vocational training centres to prepare a workforce capable of meeting the growing demands of the modern mining industry.
He said Pakistan needed more geologists, mining engineers, environmental specialists, technicians and other skilled professionals to support the expansion of the sector and ensure that mining activities were carried out efficiently, safely and sustainably.
Highlighting the progress made in Thar, the chief minister said the two major coal mining projects—Block-I, developed by Sino Sindh Resources Limited (SSRL), and Block-II, developed by SECMC—were currently producing more than 15 million tonnes of coal annually and supplying fuel for around 2,640 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
He said power generation from Thar was expected to approach 3,000 megawatts in the near future, further strengthening the region’s role in Pakistan’s energy security.
The chief minister said the development of Thar had also demonstrated how large-scale projects could contribute to socioeconomic development when local communities were included in the process. Infrastructure development, employment opportunities, education, healthcare and other community-focused initiatives had accompanied the expansion of mining activities in the region.
SECMC Chief Executive Officer Syed Amir Iqbal said the company was a successful example of a public-private partnership in Pakistan’s mining sector. He said the collaboration among the Sindh government, Engro, Chinese investors and other stakeholders had helped transform Thar and create new economic opportunities for local communities.
He said the Thar project had played a pioneering role in the development of Pakistan’s modern mining industry since 2008, attracting investment, encouraging technological innovation, expanding infrastructure and promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
Participants at the conference also discussed the challenges facing Pakistan’s mining industry, including the need for advanced mining equipment, technical expertise, improved safety standards, environmental management and greater investment in research and development.
Corporate leaders and representatives from HTMA, Meridian, Greaves Pakistan, Automan, Thar Foundation, Zoomillion, Eacon, Allied Engineering, Wafi Energy, BNB, NED University, STDC and other organisations participated in panel discussions focusing on technological innovation, industrial collaboration and future growth opportunities in the mining sector.
Speakers stressed the need for stronger cooperation between government institutions, mining companies, universities, equipment manufacturers and local communities to create a modern, competitive and sustainable mining industry in Pakistan.
The conference concluded with a renewed emphasis on technology-driven mining, workforce development, investment and responsible resource management, with participants expressing the view that Pakistan’s mineral wealth could become a significant contributor to economic growth and energy security if developed through long-term planning and coordinated efforts.
