Telangana’s Singareni to receive Rs 40-Cr Refund for Successful Closure of Dorli-2 OC Mine
Hyderabad, June 10(TNT): The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is set to receive nearly Rs 40 crore, including accrued interest, from the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) for successfully implementing the approved Mine Closure Plan at the Dorli-2 Opencast Mine in Bellampalli Area.
In a release issued on Wednesday, state-owned Mining company said the refund reflects recognition of the company’s compliance with environmental protection measures, land reclamation works, rehabilitation activities and other statutory obligations prescribed by the Ministry of Coal.
The company had deposited Rs 26.79 crore in 2013-14 with the State Bank of India as an escrow fund towards implementation of environmental and mine closure commitments for the Dorli-2 Opencast Mine.
After producing coal for seven years, the mine was closed during 2023-24. SCCL stated that all environmental and rehabilitation measures envisaged under the approved Mine Closure Plan were implemented in a phased manner throughout the life of the project.
A third-party audit conducted in July 2024 by the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, West Bengal, confirmed that SCCL had fulfilled all mine closure obligations and complied with the prescribed norms.
Based on the audit findings, the Coal Controller Organisation approved the release of the escrow deposit along with accrued interest.
According to SCCL, Deputy Assistant Coal Controller Akash Shiva Hare informed the company that 90 per cent of the refundable amount, totalling Rs 36.63 crore, would be released immediately. The remaining 10 per cent will be released after examination of provisions relating to Just Transition measures.
The company said the refund underscores its commitment to sustainable mining practices and adherence to environmental safeguards throughout the mining and post-mining phases.
SCCL management expressed satisfaction over the development, describing it as recognition of the company’s efforts to balance coal production with environmental conservation.
TNT TS
