Marking a historic turning point, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu has unveiled a transformative roadmap for the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). Speaking at the inauguration of the new General Manager’s office in Sathupalli, he declared that the 136-year-old institution is stepping into its 137th year not just as a coal miner, but as a global energy and minerals enterprise.
A Strategic Shift Beyond Coal
The Deputy CM Bhatti warned that relying solely on coal could make the company’s future uncertain in an increasingly competitive world. To ensure long-term survival and protect the livelihoods of 85,000 employees, Singareni is aggressively diversifying its portfolio:
- Critical Minerals: The company is moving into the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals like lithium, graphite, and copper, which are essential for the global electric vehicle and electronics industries.
- Global Tenders: Singareni has already successfully secured tenders for gold and copper mining in Karnataka and is actively looking for more opportunities across other Indian states and international markets.
- Expansion of Coal Blocks: While diversifying, the government is ensuring that Singareni secures all available coal blocks within Telangana and competes for new blocks in other states to maintain its leadership in thermal fuel supply.
The Green Energy Revolution
Under the new roadmap, Singareni is evolving into a multi-front energy giant. The Deputy CM Bhatti highlighted a shift toward sustainable power generation, including:
- Solar & Floating Solar: Large-scale solar projects are already underway, including a significant joint venture with the Rajasthan government to produce 1,500 MW of solar power.
- Innovative Storage: Plans are being finalized for pumped storage, battery storage, and green hydrogen projects to ensure a stable and eco-friendly energy supply.
- Thermal Power Growth: The company continues to strengthen its thermal base, with an 800 MW expansion project in Jaipur (Mancherial) and collaborative projects in Rajasthan and Odisha.
Modernizing for Future Generations
The Deputy CM emphasized that “Singareni belongs to everyone” and must be protected for future generations. He called on workers to embrace new technologies and update their skills to stay ahead of private competition. By floating global tenders and seeking expert advice from international consultants, the state government aims to fly the “Singareni flag” worldwide, transforming a regional legacy into a global success story.
Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Inspects JVR Open Mine
After that, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu conducted a detailed inspection of the Jalgam Vengala Rao (JVR) Open Cast Mine in Sathupalli. Accompanied by local MLA Katta Raghamayi, CMD Krishna Bhaskar, Collector Anudeep Durishetty, and CP Sunil Dutt, the Deputy Chief Minister began his visit by observing the mine from a viewpoint before heading deep inside the site to review operations firsthand.
While inside the mine, the Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti held discussions with officials to understand the technical aspects of coal production. He enquired about the initial setup of the open mine, the different layers of the earth, and the specific methods used to extract coal. Since the mine operates 24/7, he specifically asked about the power supply arrangements and the machinery being used. He also took a keen interest in the workforce, questioning officials about the number of permanent and contract employees, their wage payment systems, and the current market price of the coal produced.
Safety and logistics were also high on his agenda. The Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti asked about the safety protocols followed during coal transportation and the number of vehicles involved in the process. To conclude his visit, he inspected the Coal Dispatch Centre to understand how the coal is sent out and which regions receive the supply.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
