January 30, 2014: Apropos the media reports regarding Sindh High Court’s stay order on open cast lignite mining at Thar Block II, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company would like to issue a clarification and refute misleading information being seeded in the media by Reliance Consultancy and Engineering Works (RCEW).

On April 4, 2013, SECMC invited bids from various local and international contractors for Over-Burden Removal and Earth Works. Reliance Consultancy and Engineering Works, along with five other bidders submitted the required documents for pre-qualification and was subsequently notified for being the lowest bidder.

After the tender opening, all successful bidders were called in for meetings to evaluate their bids in line with the project specifications. Similarly, RCEW was called for a meeting and was informed that their bid was inconsistent to the project specifications as listed in the RFP. Based on these inconsistencies the bid was rejected and RCEW was notified of the same on January 24, 2014.

Compliance with the technical specifications is integral to the success of a bid and in line with the rights of the Company under the RFP. Moreover, SECMC would like to categorically put on record that the said contract has not been awarded to any party till date and the civil work currently happening for the groundbreaking ceremony at Thar Coal Block II does not fall within the area covered by the RFP. Therefore, SECMC will be defending its position on the matter since the Company adheres to a robust framework of corporate governance and follows ethical practices in line with the rule of law.