Bhatti directs Singareni to expand into critical minerals

In view of the severe drought conditions prevailing in the State, he said Singareni should further strengthen its contribution to Telangana’s energy security

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has directed officials to transform Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), the public-sector enterprise and lifeline of Telangana, into a profitable and robust organization that can be handed over as a strong institution to future generations. He instructed Singareni officials to explore mining opportunities beyond coal, particularly in critical and strategic minerals, and participate in all national and international auction processes for critical mineral and coal mining blocks.

Bhatti Vikramarka held an extensive review meeting with senior Singareni officials at Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad on Wednesday. CMD Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti, Directors Suryanarayana, Venkateshwarlu and Tirumala Rao, and other senior officials attended the meeting. Against the backdrop of rising power demand due to the El Niño effect, the Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to enhance coal production in line with the growing demand for Singareni coal.

He said Singareni should expand its operations beyond coal mining and explore opportunities across the entire mining sector, assuring that the People’s Government would extend all necessary support. As mineral blocks containing vanadium and titanium are expected to be put up for auction in the coming period, Bhatti Vikramarka instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to secure these blocks.

In view of the severe drought conditions prevailing in the State, he said Singareni should further strengthen its contribution to Telangana’s energy security. Keeping pace with global developments, the government is encouraging Singareni to explore mining opportunities involving critical minerals such as copper, graphite, lithium and cobalt, the Deputy Chief Minister said. He further stated that international consultants have been engaged to study mining and investment opportunities in countries including South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Chile, with the objective of identifying new avenues for Singareni’s growth and diversification.