Mithi, In a meeting led by Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar at the SECMC office, Islamkot, significant developments in the region’s energy and economic sectors were discussed. The Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) has made substantial contributions to the Sindh government, including a royalty payment of Rs12 billion and Rs8 billion to shareholders, which include the government and displaced persons receiving annual payments of Rs100,000.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the company is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the local energy supply. The SECMC’s operations, particularly in Thar Coal Block-II, have resulted in the production and addition of more than 2640 MW to the National Grid. This includes power generated by the 1320 MW Shinghai Power Plant at Thar Coal Block-I and the 1320 MW Sindh Engro Coal Power Plant at Thar Coal Block-II.

The CEO of SECMC, Yousif Siddiue, briefed the Chief Minister on the Thar Coal Block-II’s coal reserves, which amount to 175 billion tons. The company exploits 7.6 million tons of coal annually to produce clean and affordable electricity. Additionally, 70% of the employees at the plant and mine are local residents, demonstrating the company’s commitment to supporting the local community.

The Chief Minister was also informed about the social initiatives undertaken by the Thar Foundation, which operates 23 schools educating 5000 students, with 33 percent being girls. The Foundation also runs five health centers and 17 RO plants in the Gorano area, providing essential health and water services to the local population.

During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with women dumper drivers, acknowledging their role in breaking societal norms and encouraging more women to join the field. He also visited a school run by the Thar Coal Foundation and a model village established for those affected by the Thar Coal Block-II operations.

The meeting also covered the contributions of Shanghai Electric, a Chinese state-owned company, which has invested $3 billion in developing a coal mine and establishing a 1320 MW power plant in Thar Block-I. This investment has reportedly saved Pakistan $500 million by utilizing indigenous coal and locally produced energy, creating over 18,000 jobs in the process.

The Chief Minister expressed his commitment to resolving outstanding issues related to land acquisition and settlement, ensuring the continued success and expansion of these vital projects.