Hyderabad: The Singareni Collieries Company Limited is preparing to evaluate coal bed methane opportunities as the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas advances plans to auction three CBM blocks in the Singareni region.
Senior ministry officials met SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. N. B. Buddhaprakash Jyoti and urged the company to enter the bidding process. They outlined the commercial potential of the identified blocks and highlighted the strategic location of the Pranahita–Godavari Valley belt.
One block spans Mancherial, Peddapalli and Komaram Bheem districts and holds an estimated five billion cubic metres of methane. Another block lies entirely in Bhadradri Kothagudem district and contains about two BCM. In addition, a larger combined block across Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mulugu districts carries an estimated 12 BCM. Together, officials assessed total reserves at nearly 19 BCM.
Energy roadmap shapes SCCL CBM exploration plans
Ministry representatives said the proposed auction aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and aimed to strengthen domestic energy output. Since coal bed methane burns cleaner than conventional coal, officials projected it as a transitional fuel in India’s energy mix.
Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti responded that SCCL would study the technical and commercial aspects before taking a decision. Meanwhile, the company continued its core operations in thermal coal mining across Telangana. With over 130 years of mining experience, SCCL has developed extensive infrastructure in the region, which could support SCCL CBM exploration if it proceeds.
Additional Director General Sachiv Kumar and other ministry officials attended the meeting. The Centre is expected to announce detailed bidding schedules after completing procedural formalities.