Pakistani Company Becomes World’s First Mining Firm to Earn AWS Gold Certification

The Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) has become the first mining company globally to receive the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Gold Certification for its entire mining operations in Thar Block II. Established in 2009 by the UN, NGOs, and leading research institutions, the Alliance for Water Stewardship is a global platform that promotes responsible water use and the long-term sustainability of freshwater resources. To date, more than 330 sites across 30 countries have been certified under the AWS Standard. The certification recognizes the implementation of the AWS Gold Standard across operations in Thar Block II, including strong regulatory compliance, community-focused water access through 23 reverse osmosis (RO) plants, an innovative bio-saline agriculture program, and sanitation infrastructure benefiting local residents.