In a landmark achievement for Pakistan and the global mining industry, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) has officially become the first mining firm worldwide to receive the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Gold Certification for its mining operations in Thar Block II.
The AWS certification is an international benchmark for organizations that demonstrate excellence in water stewardship — promoting sustainable and socially responsible water use. The standard was introduced in 2009 by the UN, global NGOs, and research institutions to ensure the long-term protection of freshwater ecosystems.
SECMC’s operations in Thar Block II now represent a global model for responsible mining. The company’s initiatives include:
SECMC’s sustainable initiatives in Thar Block II include the installation of 23 Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants to provide clean drinking water to local communities, a bio-saline agriculture program that promotes farming in harsh, saline conditions, improved sanitation and hygiene infrastructure for surrounding villages, and strict adherence to national and international water regulations, setting a new benchmark for responsible mining.
More than 330 sites across 30 countries have achieved AWS certification, but SECMC is the first mining firm globally to be recognized at the Gold level.
This recognition not only places Pakistan on the map for sustainable mining practices but also reflects the country’s growing commitment to eco-conscious industrial development.
As the world grapples with climate change and resource scarcity, Pakistan’s SECMC is proving that mining and sustainability can go hand in hand — leading the way for others to follow.
