Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said the Telangana Government would extend full support to protect, strengthen and transform Singareni into a globally competitive enterprise. He said the Government would keep its doors open round the clock for the company’s development and urged Singareni to diversify beyond coal mining to secure its long-term future.
Speaking at a special review meeting with senior officials of Singareni and GENCO at the Singareni headquarters in Kothagudem, Bhatti said the Singareni diversification plan had become essential as the global energy sector was expected to undergo major changes over the next 15 to 20 years.
He said the rapid expansion of solar power, pumped storage, wind energy, hydrogen, rare earth minerals and battery energy storage systems would gradually reduce dependence on thermal power and coal. Therefore, he said Singareni should proactively expand into emerging sectors instead of remaining dependent on coal mining alone.
Singareni diversification plan focuses on critical minerals
Bhatti described Singareni as the soul of Telangana and said the 130-year-old institution had played a crucial role in the State’s development. He assured that the Government would firmly support its continued growth and sustainability.
He said Singareni had once enjoyed a monopoly in coal production, with customers purchasing coal at prices fixed by the company. However, privatization and the Union Government’s policy of auctioning coal blocks had increased competition by allowing several private companies to enter the sector.
He said Singareni must remain competitive by improving quality, increasing efficiency, reducing operational costs and delivering better services than private companies.
The Deputy Chief Minister instructed officials not to compromise on coal quality. He directed them to prevent contamination with mud and stones during mining, strengthen quality monitoring, operate coal washeries efficiently and scientifically blend different grades before dispatching coal.
Bhatti criticized the previous BRS Government for lacking long-term planning. He alleged that its failure to participate effectively in coal block auctions deprived Singareni of new coal resources. Bhatti also claimed the previous administration failed to secure dedicated coal blocks for thermal power projects, including Bhadradri and Yadadri.
He said the Congress Government expedited and resolved issues related to land acquisition and forest clearances for the Naini Block in Odisha and the Tadicherla-II project after assuming office.
Singareni diversification plan targets global expansion
Emphasizing that Singareni supported thousands of workers’ families, Bhatti said the company’s profitability was vital for protecting employees’ future. He directed management and trade unions to hold discussions with workers, gather suggestions for long-term sustainability and prepare a comprehensive action plan with employee participation.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the Singareni diversification plan should include mining critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt, which are essential for semiconductors, microchips, electric vehicle batteries and other advanced technologies. He suggested that Singareni participate in auctions for critical mineral blocks in countries including Australia and South Africa.
He said the company possessed decades of mining expertise, experienced engineers and skilled professionals capable of executing international-standard mining projects.
Bhatti also directed that future Board meetings focus on expansion strategies and a comprehensive 10-year roadmap instead of routine administrative matters. He asked officials to adopt a corporate-style approach by setting clear timelines and implementing a structured calendar to achieve strategic goals.
Principal Secretary (Energy) Navin Mittal, Singareni CMD Jyothi Buddha Prakash and senior officials attended the meeting.