Dorli-2 mine closure earns SCCL ₹40-crore refund from Coal Controller Organisation
Hyderabad: The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) received nearly ₹40 crore, including interest, after successfully completing the Dorli-2 mine closure under Ministry of Coal guidelines.
The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) approved the refund after SCCL fulfilled all commitments under the approved mine closure plan for the Dorli-2 Opencast Mine in the Bellampalli Area.
The refund recognised SCCL’s commitment to environmental sustainability, transparency and responsible mining practices. It also reflected the company’s efforts to promote environmentally sustainable initiatives under the Telangana government’s guidance.
Dorli-2 mine closure completed under environmental commitments
SCCL implemented every component of the mine closure plan from the start of mining operations until closure.
The measures covered environmental protection, land reclamation, rehabilitation activities and compliance with statutory requirements.
Consequently, the Coal Controller Organisation released the deposited amount along with accrued interest.
SCCL said the refund highlighted its efforts to balance coal production with environmental conservation. Moreover, it reinforced the company’s commitment to the approved mine closure framework.
Under Ministry of Coal regulations, mining companies must implement environmental safeguards and closure measures throughout a mine’s life cycle.
Therefore, companies must estimate the expenditure involved and deposit the amount in an escrow account.
The Coal Controller Organisation, the mining company and the concerned bank execute an agreement to manage the deposit.
After a company fulfils all approved closure commitments, authorities refund the escrow amount with interest.
Dorli-2 mine closure secures phased refund
SCCL obtained approvals for the Dorli-2 Opencast Mine during 2013-14.
As required under regulations, the company deposited ₹26.79 crore with the State Bank of India. The amount was deposited in the name of the Coal Controller Organisation for environmental and mine closure activities.
The mine produced coal for seven years. Subsequently, SCCL closed the project during 2023-24.
Throughout the project period, the company implemented environmental protection and rehabilitation measures in a phased manner.
Following an audit, Deputy Assistant Coal Controller Akash Shiva Hare informed SCCL that it qualified for a refund of the deposited amount and accrued interest.
Authorities will immediately release 90 per cent of the refundable amount, totalling ₹36.63 crore.
Meanwhile, officials will examine provisions related to just transition measures before releasing the remaining 10 per cent.
The refund marked an important milestone for SCCL. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of complying with environmental and mine closure obligations under the Dorli-2 mine closure plan.
The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has once again demonstrated its commitment not only to efficient coal mining operations but also to environmental stewardship after mine closure. In recognition of the successful closure of the Dorli-2 Opencast Mine in Bellampalli… pic.twitter.com/bqFQUwherr
— Singareni_Official (@PRO_SCCL) June 10, 2026