Pakistan's mining industry stakeholders gathered in Karachi on Wednesday for the Mining Technical Conference 2026, hosted by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), to promote collaboration, innovation, and technology adoption across the country's mineral sector.

Held under the theme "Driving Pakistan's Mining Sector through Collaboration, Innovation & Technology," the conference brought together industry leaders, government officials, academia, and technology providers to discuss strategies for strengthening Pakistan's mining ecosystem.

The event featured participation from organizations including Reko Diq Mining Company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Sindh Sindh Resources Limited (SSRL), National Resources Limited, HUBCO, Fauji Group, Fauji Fertilizer Company, Lucky Cement, Komatsu, DMT Germany, EACON Mining Technology, and Tonly Heavy Industries, among others.

Addressing the conference as the chief guest, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan possesses significant untapped mineral resources that require investment, advanced technology, and skilled human capital to unlock their full economic potential.

He noted that the Sindh government had established the legal and policy framework that enabled the successful development of Thar coal, adding that two mining blocks are currently operational, including one managed by SECMC.

The chief minister said the utilization of indigenous coal resources has helped Pakistan save approximately $3.2 billion in fuel import costs. He also urged companies to invest in workforce development alongside mining operations and equipment, emphasizing that responsible investment and modern technology could transform the mining sector into a major source of employment and industrial growth.

SECMC Chief Executive Officer Amir Iqbal said the conference was designed to bring together mining companies, universities, policymakers, and technology providers to build a shared vision for the industry's future.

He stressed that no single organization can transform Pakistan's mining sector alone and called for stronger partnerships between industry, academia, government institutions, and global technology providers to support research, skills development, and technology adoption.

Technical sessions during the conference covered topics including artificial intelligence, automation, digitalization, mining equipment modernization, exploration, mine development, ESG practices, operational efficiency, and applied academic research.

Participants also discussed adapting global mining technologies to Pakistan's operating environment while identifying the technical skills needed to support the sector's modernization.

The conference concluded with recommendations to establish a National Mining Industry Platform or Society to strengthen collaboration, research partnerships, workforce development, policy engagement, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Participants also proposed holding the Mining Technical Conference annually to review progress, evaluate new technologies, and set future priorities for Pakistan's mining industry.