Singareni spreads its wings, begins mining operations in Odisha

Hyderabad: In a first step towards expanding its mining activities beyond the borders of Telangana, the 136-year-old Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has for the first time started mining activities in Odisha. Telangana deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka inaugurated the Naini coal block in Odisha virtually on Wednesday.
Though the Naini coal block was allotted to SCCL nine years ago, delays in obtaining various clearances prevented mining operations..
To provide employment opportunities for local people in the Angul region, where the coal block is located, the deputy CM announced that SCCL plans to set up a 1600 MW thermal power plant near Naini and sought the cooperation of the Odisha govt for land acquisition. He emphasised that Singareni, launching coal mining operations in another state for the first time, would maintain the mine as a model of excellence.
He said that opening a mine in Odisha was a moment of happiness not just for Singareni but for the entire Telangana. "Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy pursued the matter vigorously with the Union coal minister several times and successfully secured the required permissions," he added.
"The swift progress — from pursuing permissions to starting operations within a year — is due to the proactive commitment of the Telangana govt, reflecting its dedication towards the development of Singareni," Vikramarka said after inaugurating the coal mine block. He said it was the first step in Singareni's broader expansion, hinting at further ventures into other states and countries, and stated that Singareni would soon transform into a global company.
Referring to his visit to Odisha in July last, Vikramarka reiterated that Singareni was committed to fulfilling every promise made towards the development of the Angul region. He assured that SCCL, a public sector undertaking, would not function solely for commercial purposes, but operate with a sense of social responsibility, initiating various welfare programmes.
Energy department's principal secretary, Sandeep Kumar Sultania, and SCCL chairman and managing director N Balaram along with local MLA Agasti Behera, attended the inaugural ceremony held at the Naini coal mine and expressed their happiness over the establishment of Singareni's coal mine.