Kishan charts SCCL's future

Coal Auctions, Gasification, Expansion

metro india news  I hyderabad

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Saturday called upon The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to play a far greater role in strengthening South India's energy security by expanding coal production, securing new mining blocks, embracing emerging technologies and preparing a long term growth strategy aligned with the country's future energy requirements.

Chairing a comprehensive review meeting at Singareni Bhavan in Hyderabad, the Minister reviewed SCCL's operational performance, mine wise coal production, dispatch, overburden removal, ongoing and proposed mining projects, statutory clearances and expansion plans. He directed the company to actively participate in upcoming coal block auctions conducted by the Ministry of Coal to secure additional reserves and enhance future production capacity.

Stressing the need for strategic planning, Kishan Reddy instructed SCCL to prepare a comprehensive 10 to 15 year roadmap focusing on sustainable growth, higher production, lower operational costs and improved efficiency. 

He said coal would continue to remain a vital component of India's energy mix for many years and emphasized that SCCL should look beyond commercial success to support the nation's long term energy security.

The Minister proposed constituting a special committee to formulate reforms that would enable SCCL to effectively meet future challenges and ensure sustainable growth. He also underlined the importance of transparent communication with employees regarding the company's current situation, stating that the workforce remains the company's greatest strength and should actively participate in shaping its future.

Highlighting new opportunities, Kishan Reddy advised SCCL to venture into coal gasification, even on a pilot basis, particularly in the Ramagundam industrial region, to leverage the growing clean coal value chain and support downstream industries.

Referring to possible El Niño conditions and the resulting increase in electricity demand, he urged SCCL to strengthen coal production, transportation infrastructure and supply systems well in advance to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability for power generation. He also directed the company to expedite transportation contracts to efficiently handle future production growth.

SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti presented a detailed review of the company's performance and highlighted challenges, including delays in forest clearances following the withdrawal of SCCL's CPSE status. Kishan Reddy assured that the Central Government would extend full support in resolving these issues and would also take up transportation related concerns pertaining to SCCL's Naini Coal Mine in Odisha with the state government.