Karnataka: Gold, copper from Devadurga mine can boost national wealth: Telangana Dy Cm Bhatti
Raichur (Karnataka), Aug 27 (TNT): Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Thursday called for collective efforts to expedite exploration of gold and copper deposits at the Devadurga mineral block in Karnataka, saying the project could help increase the country’s mineral wealth and create employment opportunities.
Bhatti formally launched the gold and copper mineral exploration programme being undertaken by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) at Lingadahalli village in Devadurga taluk of Raichur district and inspected the exploration sites.
Speaking on the occasion, he said SCCL, with nearly 136 years of experience in the mining sector, had secured exploration rights for the Devadurga block through a tender conducted by the Central government.
Speaking after the field inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister said Singareni would soon accelerate exploration activities.
If significant quantities of gold and copper were discovered, the project would generate employment for local youth and contribute to the development of the region, he said.
He directed Singareni officials to establish a site camp office at Devadurga to enable them to stay in the area and closely monitor exploration activities.
A helipad would also be established to facilitate movement, he said, adding that construction would begin after the local revenue authorities allotted the required land.
Bhatti appealed to local residents to extend their cooperation for early completion of the exploration programme.
He also highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Telugu- and Kannada-speaking people living on either side of the Krishna river.
The region was once part of Hyderabad State and people on both sides share common roots, he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister expressed hope that the exploration project would benefit both Telangana and Karnataka and strengthen the national economy by adding to the country’s mineral resources.
Singareni CMD recalls association with Devadurga
Singareni CMD Dr Buddha Prakash Jyothi said he had a special association with the Devadurga region, having earlier worked there as a Circle Inspector.
He expressed happiness at returning to the region in his present capacity as SCCL CMD to launch the gold and copper exploration programme. He hoped that significant gold deposits would be discovered in the region and that the project would generate employment for local people.
Bhatti inspects mineral block
The Deputy Chief Minister was received at Lingadahalli village by Ravi Bosuraju, Congress leader and son of former Karnataka Minister Bosuraju, local Sarpanch Yellamma and others.
Bhatti inspected areas identified for mineral exploration from the Devadurga gold mineral block viewpoint at Lingadahalli and later visited an exhibition of mineral samples collected by Singareni officials.
He held discussions with officials on the proposed exploration and extraction processes and reviewed the plans.
Later, he held a review meeting with Singareni officials and Karnataka government representatives and issued directions on the exploration programme.
Before concluding his visit, Bhatti offered prayers at the historic Sri Paramananda Shiva Temple in Lingadahalli village.
SCCL Director C.K. Venkateshwarlu, General Manager Pankaj Kul Shreshtha, public representatives from Telangana and Karnataka, senior Singareni officials and local leaders were present.
TNT KS
