Pakistan's mining sector unites at SECMC technical conference

MG News August 07, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan's mining sector stakeholders gathered in Karachi on Wednesday as the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) hosted the Mining Technical Conference 2026, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, academia and technology providers to strengthen collaboration and promote innovation in the country's mineral sector. Held under the theme "Driving Pakistan's Mining Sector through Collaboration, Innovation & Technology," the conference aimed to establish a common platform for addressing industry challenges, encouraging knowledge sharing and supporting the long-term development of Pakistan's mining ecosystem. The event featured participation from representatives of Reko Diq Mining Company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Sindh Sindh Resources Limited (SSRL), National Resources Limited, HUBCO, Fauji Group, Fauji Fertilizer Company, Lucky Cement, Komatsu, DMT Germany, EACON Mining Technology, Tonly Heavy Industries and several other national and international organizations. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who attended the conference as the chief guest, said Pakistan possesses vast untapped mineral resources that require investment, technology and skilled human capital to unlock their full potential. He said the Sindh government had established the legal and policy framework that enabled the development of Thar coal, noting that two mining blocks are currently operational, including one run by SECMC. The use of indigenous coal resources has saved the country around $3.2bn that would otherwise have been spent on fuel imports, he added. The chief minister urged companies to invest not only in mining operations and machinery but also in developing the workforce, saying Pakistan's mineral wealth could become a major driver of employment, industrial growth and economic value through responsible investment and modern technology. SECMC Chief Executive Officer Amir Iqbal said the conference was designed to bring mining companies, universities, technology providers and policymakers onto one platform to develop a shared direction for the industry. He said no single organization could transform Pakistan's mining sector alone, stressing that sustained partnerships between industry, academia, government and global technology providers are essential to support research, workforce development and the adoption of modern mining technologies. Throughout the conference, technical sessions focused on mining equipment modernization, artificial intelligence, automation, digitalization, exploration, mine development, ESG practices, operational efficiency and applied academic research. Discussions also examined how global technologies could be adapted to Pakistan's mining conditions and the skills required to operate them effectively. Participants emphasized the need for closer cooperation between mining companies, universities, government institutions and technology providers to align academic research with industry requirements, promote technical training and accelerate knowledge transfer. The conference also proposed establishing a National Mining Industry Platform or Society to serve as a permanent mechanism for collaboration, research partnerships, skills development, policy engagement and the responsible adoption of new technologies. Participants further recommended that the Mining Technical Conference be held annually to review industry progress, assess emerging technologies, identify workforce requirements and set priorities for the sector's future development.