Telangana Dy CM Bhatti asks Singareni to diversify beyond coal, prepare 10-year growth roadmap
Kothagudem, July 24 (TNT): Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday said the State government would extend full support to transform Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) into a globally competitive enterprise and called upon the company to diversify beyond coal mining in view of the changing global energy landscape.
Chairing a review meeting with senior officials of SCCL and Telangana GENCO at the Singareni headquarters here, Bhatti said the government would fully support the company’s growth and sustainability.
Describing Singareni as the “soul of Telangana”, he said the 130-year-old public sector enterprise had played a key role in the state’s development and should prepare for the transition taking place in the energy sector.
The Deputy Chief Minister said rapid growth in solar power, pumped storage, wind energy, hydrogen, rare earth minerals and battery energy storage systems over the next 15 to 20 years was likely to reduce dependence on thermal power and coal.
He said Singareni should diversify into emerging sectors instead of remaining solely a coal mining company.
Suggesting expansion into critical mineral mining, he said the company should explore opportunities in lithium and cobalt mining, which are essential for semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries and other advanced technologies, and participate in auctions for critical mineral blocks in countries such as Australia and South Africa.
Referring to increasing competition in the coal sector following the auction of coal blocks, Bhatti said Singareni should improve efficiency, reduce operational costs and maintain high coal quality to remain competitive.
He directed officials to ensure coal supplied from the mines was free from mud and stones, strengthen quality monitoring, improve the functioning of coal washeries and scientifically blend different grades of coal before dispatch.
The Deputy Chief Minister alleged that the previous BRS government had failed to secure new coal resources by not participating effectively in coal block auctions and had also failed to obtain dedicated coal blocks for the Bhadradri and Yadadri thermal power projects.
He said the present government had expedited land acquisition and forest clearances for the Naini coal block in Odisha and the Tadicherla-II project after assuming office.
Stating that the livelihood of thousands of workers depended on Singareni, Bhatti directed the management and trade unions to involve employees in preparing a long-term action plan for the company’s sustainability.
He also instructed that future Board meetings should focus on expansion plans and a comprehensive 10-year strategic roadmap, with clear timelines and a structured implementation plan.
TNT TS
