Hyderabad, May 9 (TNT): The Telangana Government has initiated a comprehensive expansion plan for development of nine new mining projects for Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) aimed at ensuring long-term operational sustainability, energy security and continuity of employment.
The initiative comes in the backdrop of expected decline in coal production due to depletion of reserves in existing mines.
The state government has directed SCCL to expedite all preparatory works and obtain statutory clearances at the earliest.
Officials said detailed proposals for the nine projects have already been submitted to the Union Ministries of Coal, Forest and Environment seeking necessary approvals.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu are closely monitoring the progress of approvals.
Bhatti also held meetings with authorities in New Delhi seeking speedy clearances in view of the state’s growing energy needs.
According to SCCL officials, approvals have already been secured for three projects. Coal production has commenced at the Naini Block in Odisha following coordination with the Odisha Government, while the VK Coal Mine in Kothagudem has completed major statutory formalities and is ready for production.
The government estimates that four SCCL mines are likely to cease operations by 2027-28, resulting in an annual production loss of about 12.51 million tonnes.
The proposed projects are expected to bridge this gap and ensure uninterrupted coal production for the next two decades.
The projects include development of new open-cast mines, expansion of existing operations and extraction of residual coal reserves from previously closed underground mines.
Among the major projects, the VK Coal Mine in Kothagudem is estimated to hold coal reserves of 190 million tonnes. Other projects proposed include JK Open Cast Mine in Yellandu with 19.68 million tonnes reserves, Ramagundam OC-1 Expansion Project with 181.60 million tonnes, Goleti Open Cast Mine in Bellampalli with 38.98 million tonnes, MVK Open Cast Project with 30.34 million tonnes, Manuguru Open Cast Extension with 40.45 million tonnes, RKP OCP Phase-2 in Mandamarri with 34.42 million tonnes and PK Coal Mine at Kondapur in Manuguru area with reserves of 62 million tonnes.
Meanwhile, SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Buddhaprakash Jyoti on Saturday conducted a review meeting with senior officials on the implementation progress of the projects.
He directed officials to expedite pending approvals and ensure commencement of production from at least three projects during the current financial year and two more projects next year in line with the targets set by the state government.
TNT TS
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