SECMC preps Phase III expansion at Thar Block II

July 13, 2026 (MLN): Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) and Engro Powergen Thar Limited (EPTL) have completed seven years of commercial operations at Thar Block II, having produced over 38 million tons of coal and generated more than 27,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity since operations began in July 2019.

The integrated mine-mouth project, which commenced commercial operations on July 10, 2019, has become one of Pakistan's largest indigenous energy initiatives, reducing dependence on imported fuel while feeding affordable power into the national grid.

SECMC has raised its annual mining capacity to 7.6 million tons over the seven-year period, cementing Thar coal's role in the country's energy mix, according to a press release issued.

The company is now preparing for Phase III of the mine's expansion, a step expected to further reinforce Pakistan's long-term energy security.

SECMC’s CEO Amir Iqbal said the company's purpose over the past decade has been to strengthen the country's energy security through affordable electricity, while also creating lasting opportunities for Tharparkar's residents through improvements in healthcare, education, livelihoods and women's empowerment.

He added that SECMC remains committed to tapping the full potential of Thar's coal reserves while ensuring local communities continue to benefit as the project expands.

Athar Abrar Khwaja, CEO of EPTL and Engro Energy Limited, said the power plant has consistently featured among the country's top merit-order generating stations, citing its reliable and cost-effective output from indigenous coal.

He said the company's focus remains on supporting Pakistan's long-term energy priorities through dependable and affordable power generation.

Beyond energy generation, the Thar Block II project has continued to channel investment into social development through the Thar Foundation, which has expanded education, healthcare, skills training and clean energy access across Tharparkar.

The Foundation currently runs 33 schools serving more than 5,000 students, while over 300 students are enrolled in engineering diploma programmes.

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