Bhatti: Singareni should enter mining of metals, non-metals; focus on lithium

Hyderabad: The Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) established prior to the nation’s independence and with a proven track record in coal production with efficient and expert manpower should now enter other mining sectors, suggested deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu here on Saturday.

The deputy CM made several suggestions on the plans and development of Singareni Company in a review meeting held at the Secretariat on the company’s performance and growth.

Speaking at the meeting, he said conventional fuel resources like petrol, diesel, and coal are becoming outdated. “The future will be dominated by power batteries for transition to sustainable energy. Under these circumstances, SCCL should focus on exploration of lithium and similar minerals and their extraction,” he said.

Singareni Company, an asset for the people of Telangana, should strengthen its existence and create wealth and more assets. This would pave the way for employment and livelihood opportunities for people in the State, Bhatti said.

Singareni company should formulate plans for diversifying and expanding into metals and non-metals mining. If required the Singareni officials should appoint a consultancy for this, Bhatti emphasised.

Singareni officials explained to the deputy CM about the preparations for setting up floating solar and pumped storage power plants.

The Detailed Project Report on this is being prepared and will be submitted soon to the government, they said. Bhatti inquired the officials about the update on the Naini Coal block in Odisha and when the coal production would commence.