Telangana Dy CM Bhatti directs Singareni to cut production costs, expand mining operations
At a meeting with 66 General Managers of Singareni at Praja Bhavan here, Bhatti called for a comprehensive action plan to improve productivity, strengthen the company’s financial position and secure employment opportunities for future generations.
He said the government was taking measures to strengthen Singareni and criticised the previous government for allegedly neglecting the company’s expansion and failing to ensure the availability of new coal blocks.
The Deputy Chief Minister said high production costs could undermine Singareni’s competitiveness and urged officials to make better use of manpower and machinery, improve operational efficiency and adopt innovative practices.
He called for exploring critical minerals such as copper, gold, vanadium and lithium, leveraging the company’s mining expertise.
He also suggested engaging international consultants and conducting feasibility studies before entering new sectors.
On coal supply constraints, Bhatti said the availability of coal blocks, production capacity and agreements with power projects should be assessed before blaming Singareni for shortages.
He said coal allocations should have been secured when power projects were planned and established.
He noted that some coal blocks previously allocated to Singareni had been brought back into the auction process and said he had held discussions with senior officials of the Union Coal Ministry to safeguard the interests of the state-owned company.
Bhatti alleged that decisions taken by the previous government had affected Singareni’s expansion and questioned its critics over their record in ensuring the company’s growth and securing coal blocks.
He also asked officials to assess the long-term impact of renewable energy, battery storage and pumped storage projects on thermal power generation and coal demand.
Singareni Chairman and Managing Director Buddha Prakash Jyoti said the company was working under the state government’s guidance to emerge as a leading organisation.
He described the interaction with General Managers as the first of its kind in the company’s history.
The CMD said steps had been taken since the formation of the present government to secure new coal mines, pursue a thermal power station at Jaipur and introduce welfare initiatives for permanent and contract employees.
A progress report on the company’s activities since December 2023 was presented at the meeting.
TNT TS
