Dy CM Bhatti moots Singareni-Hutti JV to boost gold output

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has asked officials to examine a joint venture between Singareni Collieries and Karnataka’s Hutti Gold Mines to enhance domestic gold production. During his visit to Raichur, he inspected mining operations and directed Singareni to prepare an action plan covering exploration, processing, and adoption of modern technologies.

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has directed officials to explore the possibility of setting up a joint venture between Singareni Collieries Company Limited and Hutti Gold Mines, a Karnataka government undertaking with extensive experience in gold mining.

He said combining the technical capabilities and expertise of the two public sector undertakings could help increase domestic gold production and yield better results.

---

As part of his second day visit to gold mining areas in Karnataka on Friday, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the Hutti and UT gold mines in Raichur district. He inspected the entire process, from extraction of gold ore to the production of refined gold. Officials informed him that the Hutti project produces an average of 2 to 4 kg of gold per day.

Bhatti directed Singareni officials to prepare an action plan for collaboration between the two organisations in gold exploration, mining, extraction, processing and refining. The plan should also cover the adoption of modern technologies, deployment of technical experts and human resource training.

Emphasising the need to reduce dependence on gold imports and increase domestic production, Bhatti said the Hutti-Singareni partnership could help boost gold production, facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies, create local employment opportunities and strengthen the country’s economic development.

Later, he directed officials to expedite mineral exploration activities in the Devadurga Gold-Copper Block.

He said the exploration block secured by Singareni through an auction was located close to Hutti Gold Mines and presented a major opportunity. He directed officials to utilise the technical expertise of Hutti Gold Mines for the Devadurga project.

He also directed the Singareni CMD to complete all necessary arrangements at the earliest for the inauguration of the Singareni site office to be established at Devadurga.