Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Sunday directed Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to reduce coal production costs, improve productivity, develop new mines and explore critical minerals such as lithium, copper, gold and vanadium, stressing that the company must remain competitive to safeguard jobs.
Addressing a meeting with 66 general managers at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Praja Bhavan, Bhatti criticised the previous govt for neglecting Singareni’s expansion and failing to secure new coal blocks. Officials also presented a progress report on the company’s performance since the formation of the Congress govt in Dec 2023. Bhatti questioned allegations that coal production was declining, 40 lakh tonnes of coal had gone missing and Singareni had no future. The company supports around 42,000 permanent employees and another 34,000 to 36,000 contract and outsourced workers, making its long-term viability a matter of concern for thousands of families.
He said those responsible for weakening the company were now accusing it of suffering losses. He said the govt was assessing the company’s actual position and taking decisions to protect Singareni and secure its future. Bhatti said key decisions had been taken after consultations with general managers and workers’ unions.
The meeting, chaired by Singareni CMD Buddha Prakash Jyoti, reviewed coal production, transportation, mine development, expansion plans and production costs. He asked those making such claims to explain what they had done during their tenure to expand the company and ensure the availability of new coal blocks. He urged officials to identify operational problems, propose practical solutions and take responsibility for improving the company’s performance.