Singareni plans 9 new mines to offset production losses

SCCL is set to launch nine new coal mining projects to compensate for the anticipated production shortfall of 12.51 million tonnes due to the closure of four mines by 2027-28. The state government has cleared proposals aimed at ensuring energy security and employment continuity.

Peddapalli: Since the production is likely to reduce by 12.51 million tonnes in annual coal production following the expected cessation of operations of four coal mines by 2027-28, Singareni Collieries Company Limited has decided to develop nine new coal mining projects.

The proposed nine projects are expected to bridge this gap and ensure uninterrupted coal supply for the next two decades. SCCL officials are planning to start production in at least three projects within the current financial year.

---

With the objective of ensuring long-term operational sustainability and energy security, the state government has identified nine new projects. These projects include the development of new open-cast mines, expansion of existing mines, and extraction of remaining coal reserves from previously closed underground mines.

The initiative is intended to offset production losses arising from the phased closure of existing mines due to depletion of reserves, ensure continuity of employment for the workforce, and meet the growing energy demand of the State.

Based on the instructions of the state government, SCCL has prepared detailed proposals for nine projects and submitted them to the Union Ministries of Coal, Forest and Environment for requisite clearances.

Approvals have already been received for three projects. Coal production has commenced at the Naini Block in Odisha following coordination with the government of Odisha.

The VK coal mine in Kothagudem area has also completed major statutory formalities and is ready for commencement of production. It is a key project with estimated coal reserves of 190 million tonnes. Overburden removal activities have commenced, and the project is expected to be taken up for coal production shortly.

The other projects are JK opencast mine (Yellandu area) – 19.68 million tonnes, Ramagundam OC-1 expansion project- 181.60 mt, Goleti OCP (Bellampalli area) – 38.98 mt, MVK OCP – 30.34 mt, Manuguru OC extension – 40.45 mt, RKP OCP phase-2 (Mandamarri Area) – 34.42 mt, PK coal mine, Kondapur (Manuguru Area) – 62 Million Tonnes.

SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Dr Buddhaprakash Jyoti conducted a detailed review meeting with senior officials to assess the progress of the proposed projects at Singareni Bhavan, Hyderabad on Saturday.

He directed officials to expedite pending statutory approvals and take necessary steps to ensure commencement of production from at least three projects within the current financial year, as per the state government’s target timeline.