Sindh CM vows to promote investment in vast mineral resources

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the importance of harnessing the province's vast mineral resources during a meeting at CM House. Shah affirmed his administration's dedication towards promoting investment in the sector, which holds the potential to drive industrialization, enhance energy security, create employment, and spur economic growth. The CM reviewed Sindh's coal and non-coal mineral resources, ongoing mining projects, and potential for both domestic and international investments.

The meeting highlighted Sindh's Thar coalfield, which boasts 175 billion tonnes of reserves, equivalent to 50 billion tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE) and 2,000 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of coal-related gas. Two major Thar coal mining and power generation projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) early harvest program were discussed, including the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) and Sino-Sindh Resources Limited (SSRL).

SECMC, managed through a public-private partnership, generates 1,980 megawatts of power, while SSRL has a capacity of 1,320 MW, with private investments exceeding $2.6 billion.

Besides coal, the meeting reviewed opportunities in non-coal minerals such as granite, iron ore, marble, limestone, celestite, China clay, silica sand, and lake salt. These resources offer investment potential in various industries, including dimension stone, decorative products, steel-related industries, and cement and construction sectors. The government aims to encourage investors to establish processing and manufacturing industries to maximize economic value, employment, and export opportunities within Sindh.

Sindh's mining sector also emphasizes ethical governance, social responsibility, and environmental protection. The meeting reviewed initiatives that contributed to local development, including job creation, healthcare facilities, clean drinking water, and community infrastructure. Under Block-I, SECMC directly employed approximately 5,000 people with 97% of the workforce from Sindh, while Block-II employed about 2,350 people, with 94% from Sindh.

Environmental protection efforts include tree plantation, water treatment, biodiversity conservation, bio-saline agriculture, and land rehabilitation. The CM stressed the importance of responsible mining practices, adhering to environmental standards, occupational health and safety requirements, and community welfare.