Thar coalmine begins third expansion

With the third phase, the annual production will rise by another 3.6 million tonnes, the third expansion in seven years. SECMC contributes 14% electricity to the national grid. The additional coal will be supplied to Lucky Electric Power Company Limited (LEPCL), which operates a 660-megawatt power plant.

With its inclusion, SECMC will supply coal to power plants with a combined generation capacity of 1,980 MW, including 660MW Engro Powergen Thar Limited (EPTL), 330MW Thar Energy Limited (TEL) and 330MW Thal. Nova Power Thar Limited (TNPL).

After the expansion, the levelised coal tariff is projected to decline from $36.72 to $32.01 per tonne, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of around Rs15 billion in generation costs and saving an estimated $220 million in fuel imports. The expanded power generation will provide reliable electricity to around 4.5 million households.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the occasion, SECMC Chief Executive Officer Amir Iqbal said, "Thar's story is a journey from the impossible to excellence, achieved through vision, collaboration and resilience. " He said Thar is contributing not only to Pakistan's energy security but also to the country's economic growth.

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the scale of development witnessed in Thar was unmatched elsewhere in Pakistan, highlighting the transformation in the region's health and education systems. He felicitated SECMC on its achievement, with the Thar mine now ranked among the top 4% of mines globally.