Pakistan’s mining sector needs greater collaboration between industry, academia, government and technology providers if the country is to fully exploit its mineral potential, participants at a technical conference said on Thursday.
The Mining Technical Conference 2026, organized by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) under the theme “Driving Pakistan’s Mining Sector through Collaboration, Innovation & Technology,” brought together representatives from mining companies, government institutions, universities, equipment manufacturers and international technology firms.
Representatives from Reko Diq Mining Company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, SSRL, National Resources Limited, HUBCO, Fauji Group, Fauji Fertilizer Company, Lucky Cement, Komatsu, DMT Germany, EACON Mining Technology and Tonly Heavy Industries were among those attending the conference.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, attending as chief guest, delivered the keynote address. He described the event as an important opportunity to bring together industry, academia and technology, emphasizing these three areas would shape the future of Pakistan’s mining sector.
“Pakistan has vast untapped mineral resources that require investment and technology,” he said. “The Government of Sindh recognized this and designed a policy framework that led to a transformation.”
He stressed the need for greater investment in human capital alongside mining equipment and infrastructure, saying the people trained today would lead the industry in the coming decades. “The future of the industry depends on developing human capital who will lead the industry for decades. I urge the companies to not just invest in mining and machinery but also people,” he said.
The chief minister also highlighted developments in Thar coal mining, saying two blocks were currently operational, including one operated by SECMC. He said the use of indigenous resources had saved $3.2 billion that would otherwise have been spent on fuel imports.
Pakistan’s mineral resources could become a major source of employment, industrial growth and economic value if developed through responsible investment, modern technology and skilled human capital, said Shah. He added that the Sindh government would continue to facilitate investment and partnerships aimed at generating long-term benefits for the economy and local communities.
SECMC CEO Amir Iqbal said growing international interest in Pakistan’s mineral resources made greater coordination within the domestic mining industry increasingly important. He said the conference aimed to bring together stakeholders that traditionally operate in separate technical, commercial, academic and policy environments.
“Mining companies understand operational realities, universities bring research and knowledge, technology providers offer innovative solutions, and the government provides policy direction,” he said. “Meaningful progress becomes possible when all these strengths are connected,” he added.
“No single organization can transform Pakistan’s mining sector on its own. We need sustained partnerships that connect operational experience, academic knowledge, government support and global technological expertise,” he said.
Technical sessions during the conference focused on mining technology, equipment modernization, artificial intelligence, automation, digitalization, exploration, mine development, environmental, social and governance practices, operational efficiency and applied academic research.
A recurring theme was the need to develop the skills required to operate increasingly digital and automated mines. Participants said the industry would need not only mining engineers, geologists and equipment operators, but also data specialists, researchers and other technical professionals familiar with modern systems.
They also called for greater coordination between mining companies and educational institutions to align academic curricula and research with the sector’s practical requirements. Technology providers, meanwhile, could play a role in technical training and knowledge transfer, while government institutions could facilitate investment and collaboration.
Discussions also focused on the extent to which technologies developed for international mining operations could be adapted to Pakistan’s conditions. Participants considered the costs of adoption, operational requirements and the skills needed to implement technologies effectively.
One panel discussed the possible establishment of a National Mining Industry Platform or Society to provide a permanent mechanism for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, skills development, research partnerships and policy engagement. The proposed platform could bring together mining and energy companies, universities, professional experts, government institutions and technology providers to identify common challenges, develop industry standards and support the adoption of new technologies.
Participants also proposed making the Mining Technical Conference an annual event, allowing stakeholders to assess progress, review emerging technologies, identify workforce requirements and establish priorities for the sector.
The conference comes as Pakistan seeks to attract greater investment into its mining industry and develop its largely untapped mineral resources. Speakers stressed that investment in technology would need to be accompanied by investment in people, research and institutional capacity. For the organizers, the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on whether discussions translate into partnerships, research projects, training programs and other practical measures that can strengthen the sector beyond individual mining projects.