Telangana’s Singareni ready to partner with Karnataka power utility in captive coal mining
Bengaluru, Aug 27 (TNT): Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Thursday proposed a joint venture between Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) for undertaking mining operations in KPCL’s captive coal blocks in Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
Bhatti made the proposal during his meeting with Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George in Bengaluru.
George responded positively to the proposal.
The meeting discussed issues related to the energy sector in both states, coal supplies, payments for coal purchases and technology exchange.
Bhatti said Singareni, with nearly 137 years of experience in coal mining, could undertake mining operations in the captive coal blocks secured by KPCL to meet Karnataka’s growing power requirements.
He also suggested that Singareni could benefit from Karnataka’s experience in the power sector for operating power plants proposed by the Telangana company.
He said the possibility of establishing a joint venture between the two state-owned enterprises could be examined with the objective of promoting mutual cooperation, development and expansion.
George said rapid industrial growth in Karnataka had led to a substantial increase in electricity demand and requested Telangana to ensure continuous coal supplies for thermal power projects in the state.
Bhatti assured him that efforts would be made to ensure coal supplies in accordance with the allocations made by the Union Ministry of Coal.
He said Singareni currently supplies 10.54 million tonnes of coal annually to Karnataka through coal linkages.
Singareni supplies 5.24 million tonnes annually through full linkage to the Yerramarus Thermal Power Plant, 3.01 million tonnes through partial linkage to the Raichur Thermal Power Plant and 2.29 million tonnes to the Bellary Unit-3 Thermal Power Plant.
Coal is being supplied to Karnataka through at least four rakes every day, he said.
Karnataka Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Dr Buddhaprakash Jyoti, KPCL Managing Director Rajendra Cholan, KPCL Finance Director Nagaraju, SCCL Executive Director (Coal Movement) B. Venkanna, General Manager Srinivas and other officials attended the meeting.
TNT KS
