Singareni to diversify into critical minerals, participate in global auctions: Telangana DY CM Bhatti
Hyderabad, Aug 26 (TNT): Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday directed Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to expand its mining operations beyond coal and explore opportunities in critical and strategic minerals, including copper, graphite, lithium, cobalt, vanadium and titanium.
Reviewing the functioning of Singareni at Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Praja Bhavan here, Bhatti directed officials to participate in all national and international auction processes relating to critical minerals and coal mines and prepare a comprehensive action plan to secure mineral blocks expected to be auctioned in the coming period.
He said the state government’s objective was to make Singareni, the public-sector enterprise and lifeline of Telangana, a profitable organisation and hand it over as a strong institution to future generations.
With global demand for critical minerals increasing, the government was encouraging Singareni to explore mining opportunities beyond coal and enter new areas of the mining sector, he said, assuring necessary support from the state government.
Bhatti also directed officials to increase coal production in line with rising power demand, particularly against the backdrop of the El Niño effect.
He said Singareni should further strengthen its role in ensuring energy security amid the severe drought conditions prevailing in the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister said international consultants had been appointed to study mining and investment opportunities in countries including South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Chile.
SCCL CMD Dr Buddhaprakash Jyoti, Directors Suryanarayana, Venkateshwarlu and Tirumala Rao and other senior officials attended the review meeting.
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