Singareni’s first opencast coal mine celebrates 50 years

So far, 62 million tons of coal as well as 3,600 lakh cubic meter of overburden (OB) was removed from the project

Peddapalli: The first opencast coal mine in the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), OCP-I has completed 50 years. The golden jubilee celebrations of the project were held on Sunday.

Besides facing ups and downs during its journey, it created a number of records and stood in the top position in the production by utilising modern technology. So far, 62 million tons of coal as well as 3,600 lakh cubic meter of overburden (OB) was removed from the project.

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SCCL started OCP-I in Ramagundam-III region on October 24, 1974. Initially, the production was started with two bulldozers and four scrapers. More machinery including an EKG 4.5 cubic meter shovel and 18 dumpers (each 70 tonnes capacity), which were used for the construction of the Bhakra Nangal dam were added to the project in 1975. Presently, 12 cubic meter capacity shovels and 100 tonne capacity dumpers are being used for production. It created a record by registering hundred percent production for 10 years.

It is the SCCL’s first OCP wherein the biggest machine Prudvi Banjan (Dragline) was introduced in 1984. The then Chief Minister NT Rama Rao launched the dragline. A new era began in OCPs with the introduction of the dragline since it was the king in the removal of OB. It removes a huge OB with less expenditure. Besides 1,040 employees, 12 cubic meter shovel-1, 11 cubic meter shovel-2, five cubic meter shovel-4, 100 tonnes capacity dumpers-27, 60 tonnes capacity dumpers-15, 8 water tankers and 14 dousers are being engaged in coal production.

Singareni authorities are planning to establish a 22 MW solar power plant on the top of the OB. The plant is going to be set up at the height of 120 metres. Besides winning environment protection award in 2014, the project also won annual safety awards for four years from 2016. It stood in the top position in safety for two years from 2021. Recently, it won a five star rating award.

Though the project was started with a lifespan of 30 years, it was expanded for 20 years by merging the GDK-9 and 9(A) incline underground mines. Again, its lifespan was expanded by merging two more mines, GDK-10A and Vakheelpalli.

OCP-I details

Started:  24-10-1974

Dragline introduced: 1984

Annual coal production (lakh tonnes): 33

Produced coal (million tonnes): 62

Produced OB (lakh tonnes cubic meter): 3,600

Draglilne removed OB (lakh cubic meter): 747.6

Rapid Wagon loading system capacity(tonnes): 4,100

Plantation on dump yard (hectors): 229