SCCL should prepare 15-year roadmap for growth: Union Coal Minister Kishan Reddy
Hyderabad, July 4 TNT): Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Saturday asked the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to draw up a 10-15-year strategic plan to expand coal production, secure new coal blocks and strengthen its contribution to India’s energy security amid rising electricity demand.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at Singareni Bhavan here, the Union Minister reviewed mine-wise production, coal dispatch, overburden removal, ongoing and proposed mining projects, statutory clearances and the company’s future expansion plans.
He directed SCCL, the only major coal-producing public sector company in South India, to actively participate in the Ministry of Coal’s upcoming coal block auctions to enhance its production capacity.
Stressing that coal would continue to remain a key component of India’s energy mix for the foreseeable future, Kishan Reddy said SCCL should increase production, reduce operational costs and improve efficiency while aligning its growth strategy with the country’s long-term energy requirements.
He also called for the constitution of a special committee to recommend reforms for the company’s long-term growth and sustainability and assured SCCL of the Centre’s full support.
Highlighting the potential of coal gasification, the Union Minister advised SCCL to launch a pilot coal gasification project, preferably in the Ramagundam industrial region, citing the presence of fertilizer and other industries that could benefit from the initiative.
Referring to forecasts of a possible El Niño impact, Kishan Reddy said electricity demand was likely to increase significantly in the agriculture and industrial sectors and directed SCCL to strengthen coal production and supply systems to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability for power generation.
He also asked the company to strengthen its transportation infrastructure and expedite transportation contracts to facilitate evacuation of additional coal production.
Describing employees as the company’s greatest strength, the Union Minister said the management should involve them as partners in SCCL’s future growth and keep them informed about the company’s challenges through transparent communication.
Earlier, SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti briefed the Union Minister on the company’s production, dispatch performance and issues affecting the commencement of new mining projects.
The CMD informed the Union Minister that the withdrawal of SCCL’s Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) status had created hurdles in securing forest clearances for new projects. Kishan Reddy assured that the issue would be taken up for an early resolution.
The Union Minister also assured SCCL that he would pursue with the Odisha government issues relating to transportation of coal from the company’s Naini Coal Mine in the state.
The meeting was attended by Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, Joint Secretary Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, senior officials of the Ministry of Coal, SCCL directors and other officials.
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