Tech event to focus on modern mining

Pakistan cannot unlock the potential of its mining sector without developing a comprehensive mining ecosystem and the first Mining Technical Conference 2026 will be held on August 6 under the auspices of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) to support that objective.

Speaking to The Express Tribune on Tuesday, SECMC Chief Executive Officer Amir Iqbal said the conference would bring together mining experts from Japan, China, Germany, the Middle East and Barrick company.

He pointed out that it would be Pakistan's first technology-focused mining conference, aimed at promoting modern mining practices and highlighting the country's investment potential in the sector.

Iqbal noted that Pakistan possessed vast mineral resources and significant opportunities existed for mining development due to its favourable geology. He said work was underway on a 405-kilometre railway line linking Thar to Chhor for the organised transportation of coal, with completion expected early next year.

He added that phase-III of Thar Block-II would commence next month and Lucky Power Plant would begin receiving its entire coal supply from Thar also from next month.

According to Iqbal, $1.4 billion has already been invested in Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, with additional investment planned under its expansion programme.

Responding to a question, he said SECMC's annual coal production capacity currently stands at 7.6 million tonnes and was expected to increase to 11.2 million tonnes by September 2026, enough to support the generation of 2,000 megawatts of electricity.

He added that the fourth phase of the company's expansion programme was scheduled to begin in 2030.