Kishan Reddy directs SCCL to expand coal production with new mining blocks

Hyderabad: Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy directed Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to accelerate SCCL coal production by securing new mining blocks and expanding operations. He said the initiative would strengthen India’s long-term energy security.

The Minister chaired a review meeting at Singareni Bhavan in Hyderabad on Sunday. He assessed mine-wise production, coal dispatch, overburden removal, ongoing projects, statutory clearances and future expansion plans.

Kishan Reddy asked SCCL to participate actively in the Ministry of Coal’s upcoming coal block auctions. He said the company should secure additional mining blocks to increase production capacity. He also called for a comprehensive 10 to 15-year action plan to meet the country’s rising electricity demand.

Furthermore, the Minister said coal would remain a vital part of India’s energy mix for many years. Therefore, he urged SCCL to increase output, reduce production costs and improve operational efficiency. He added that the company should align its growth plans with the nation’s future energy needs.

Long-term roadmap to strengthen SCCL coal production

Kishan Reddy said rising competition in the energy sector required public sector enterprises to improve productivity and maintain high-quality standards. He also urged the management to communicate transparently with employees about the company’s challenges and long-term goals.

Additionally, the Union Minister proposed forming a special committee to recommend reforms for SCCL’s sustainable growth. He assured the company of the Central government’s full support for its expansion plans.

The Minister also highlighted the potential of coal gasification in India. He advised SCCL to launch a pilot coal gasification project in the Ramagundam industrial region. He said the area’s fertiliser and other industries could benefit from a clean coal value chain.