Hyderabad: The Telangana government has accelerated plans for SCCL new mining projects to prevent future coal shortages and ensure long-term energy security.
The government initiated the development of nine new mining projects for Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). The plan aims to offset production losses caused by the gradual closure of existing mines due to depleted reserves.
Officials said the projects would also protect employment and meet the State’s growing energy demand.
The government directed SCCL to speed up preparatory work and secure all statutory approvals at the earliest.
Following these directions, SCCL prepared detailed proposals for nine projects and submitted them to the Union Ministries of Coal, Forest and Environment for clearances.
SCCL new mining projects receive government focus
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu closely reviewed the approval process for the projects.
Bhatti Vikramarka held meetings with authorities in New Delhi and stressed the need for timely approvals because of Telangana’s future energy requirements.
Authorities already cleared three projects. Coal production also started at the Naini Block in Odisha after coordination with the Odisha government.
The VK Coal Mine in Kothagudem completed major statutory formalities and is ready to begin production.
By 2027-28, SCCL expects four existing mines to stop operations. Officials estimated that annual coal production could decline by 12.51 million tonnes.
The proposed SCCL new mining projects are expected to bridge this production gap and ensure uninterrupted coal supply for the next two decades.
SCCL new mining projects include mine expansion
The projects include new open-cast mines, expansion of existing operations and extraction of residual coal reserves from previously closed underground mines.
The Telangana government identified all nine projects as part of its strategy to strengthen SCCL’s future production capacity.
SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Dr Buddhaprakash Jyoti held a detailed review meeting with senior officials on Saturday to assess progress on the proposed projects.
He instructed officials to speed up pending approvals and ensure that at least three projects begin production during the current financial year.
The review meeting followed the State government’s direction to complete the projects within the targeted timeline.