Pakistan’s largest coal mining project is set to enter a new phase of expansion, with the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) preparing to launch Phase III of the Thar Block II project to increase domestic coal production and strengthen the country’s energy security.

The announcement coincided with the completion of seven years of commercial operations at Thar Block II by SECMC and Engro Powergen Thar Limited (EPTL). The integrated mine-mouth project began commercial operations on July 10, 2019, following a collaboration between the federal and Sindh governments and local and international partners.

Since then, the mine has expanded its production capacity to 7.6 million tonnes annually and supplied more than 38 million tonnes of Thar coal.

The locally mined coal has enabled EPTL to generate over 27,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, reducing Pakistan’s dependence on imported fuels and supporting a more reliable energy mix.

SECMC Chief Executive Officer Amir Iqbal said the company has spent over a decade developing Thar’s coal resources to enhance Pakistan’s energy security while creating jobs and economic opportunities for local communities.

He described Thar coal as a strategic national resource and said the company is now preparing for Phase III to further expand the project’s contribution to the country’s energy sector.

EPTL Chief Executive Officer Athar Abrar Khwaja said the power plant has remained among Pakistan’s lowest-cost electricity producers since becoming the country’s first independent power producer to operate on indigenous Thar coal.

He added that the expansion will further support Pakistan’s long-term goal of generating affordable electricity through locally available energy resources.