Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka announces SCCL’s diversification into solar, thermal, and green energy projects, along with exploration of gold and copper reserves. 

Hyderabad: Telangana’s Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is preparing for a major shift beyond coal, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said on Friday. The state-owned miner will foray into thermal, solar, and green energy, while also venturing into the critical minerals sector.

SCCL recently won exploration rights for gold and copper blocks in Karnataka’s Raichur and Devadurga regions, which guarantee a 37.7% royalty share for the company over the lifetime of the mines. Exploration work is set to begin soon, Vikramarka confirmed. An international agency has also been engaged to map global opportunities under the proposed ‘Singareni Global’ initiative.

On the renewable front, the government has cleared plans for Singareni Green Energy Limited, which will establish solar and pumped storage projects. Vikramarka underlined that diversification is essential as coal reserves are gradually depleting.

The Deputy CM also took aim at the previous BRS administration, alleging that SCCL lost coal blocks worth nearly ₹60,000 crore by failing to participate in earlier auctions.

Analysts say SCCL’s pivot to renewables could secure long-term energy security for Telangana and create new jobs.

Residents may see more state-backed solar projects in the coming years, potentially reducing dependence on thermal power alone.