Thar coalmine begins third expansion

The third-phase expansion of the Thar Block-II coalmine has commenced in Sindh's Tharparkar district, further increasing the mine's annual production capacity from 7.6 million tonnes to 11.2 million tonnes and the use of indigenous resources for affordable power generation. Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) began commercial operations in Thar Block-II in 2019 with an annual mining capacity of 3.8 million tons per annum. The second phase, completed in 2022, increased capacity to 7.6 million tons. 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 c...