In a landmark achievement for Pakistan and the global mining industry, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) has etched its name in history as the first mining company worldwide to be awarded the prestigious Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Gold Certification for its entire mining operations.
This unprecedented recognition announced, places SECMC at the pinnacle of sustainable water management, demonstrating world-class leadership in a sector often scrutinized for its environmental impact. The AWS Gold Certification is the highest level attainable under the globally respected AWS Standard.
The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), established in 2009 by the United Nations, NGOs, and research institutes, is the leading international body promoting responsible freshwater use. Its rigorous certification framework evaluates performance across five critical pillars: Good Water Governance, Sustainable Water Balance, Water Quality, Health of Water-Related Ecosystems, and Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
SECMC’s certification signifies it has excelled in all these areas within its challenging Thar Block II operations. While over 330 sites across 30+ countries in agriculture, manufacturing, and energy hold AWS certification, SECMC stands alone as the pioneer in the mining sector.
“This Gold Certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly in the water-stressed Thar region,” stated a company release. “We have embedded the principles of the AWS Standard across our operations, proving that large-scale mining can align with the highest international sustainability benchmarks.”
