Prepare a 10–15 Year Long-Term Strategic Roadmap
Government Will Extend Full Support for the Company’s Growth
Employees Should Be Transparently Informed About the Company’s Current Situation
Constitute a Special Committee to Drive Future Reforms and Meet Emerging Challenges
Actively Participate in Upcoming Coal Mine Auctions to Secure New Blocks
SCCL Should Venture into Coal Gasification
Focus on Long-Term Growth Along with Higher Coal Production
Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy Reviews SCCL’s Performance and Future Roadmap
HYDERABAD, JULY 04, 2026: Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized that the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), the only major coal-producing public sector company in South India, must play a much larger role in strengthening the country’s energy security by expanding its operations, securing new coal blocks, and increasing coal production to meet the nation’s growing energy demand.
Chairing a comprehensive review meeting at Singareni Bhavan, Hyderabad on Saturday, the Minister conducted an extensive review of SCCL’s operational performance and future strategy. He examined mine-wise production, dispatch, overburden removal, status of ongoing and proposed mining projects, statutory clearances, and future expansion plans. He directed SCCL to actively participate in the upcoming coal block auctions conducted by the Ministry of Coal to secure additional mining blocks and strengthen its production capacity.
The Minister stressed the need to prepare a comprehensive 10–15 year long-term strategic action plan, keeping in view the rapidly increasing demand for electricity across the country. He observed that coal would continue to remain a critical component of India’s energy mix for many years and advised SCCL to significantly enhance coal production while simultaneously reducing production costs and improving operational efficiency.
He stated that SCCL should not confine itself to commercial success alone but should move forward with a long-term vision aligned with the country’s future energy requirements.
Highlighting the increasing competition in the energy sector, Shri Kishan Reddy said that public sector enterprises must continuously improve quality standards and enhance productivity through dedicated efforts by all employees. He emphasized the importance of creating awareness among employees regarding the actual status and challenges of the company through transparent communication.
The Minister further suggested the constitution of a special committee to formulate and implement reforms aimed at ensuring the company’s long-term growth and sustainability. He called upon all stakeholders to collectively contribute towards SCCL’s development and assured the company’s management of the Central Government’s full support.
Focus on Coal Gasification
Shri G. Kishan Reddy observed that coal gasification offers significant opportunities in India and advised SCCL, being the only government-owned coal producer in South India, to initiate a coal gasification project, even on a pilot scale.
He particularly suggested exploring such a project in the Ramagundam industrial region, considering the presence of fertilizer and other industries, so that SCCL can capitalize on emerging opportunities in the clean coal value chain.
Advance Planning for the Impact of El Niño
Referring to forecasts indicating the possible impact of El Niño across India and globally, the Minister said electricity demand is likely to increase substantially in both agricultural and industrial sectors. He stated that, alongside Coal India Limited, SCCL must remain fully prepared to ensure uninterrupted coal supplies for power generation.
He advised the company to strengthen coal production and supply systems well in advance to meet the anticipated increase in electricity demand and also directed SCCL to reinforce its transportation infrastructure in line with future production growth.
The Minister instructed the company to expedite the finalization and execution of transportation contracts so that additional coal production reaches consumers without delay.
Employees Are the Strength of the Company
Shri Kishan Reddy emphasized that employees constitute the greatest strength of SCCL and should be active partners in the company’s future growth plans. He advised the management to enhance employees’ confidence and ensure that every employee considers the company’s success as his or her own achievement.
Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director, SCCL, presented a detailed overview of the company’s coal production, dispatch performance, and the challenges presently confronting the organization. He also highlighted various issues affecting the commencement of new mining projects.
The CMD particularly informed the Minister that the withdrawal of SCCL’s Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) status has created difficulties in obtaining forest land clearances. Responding to the issue, Shri Kishan Reddy assured that efforts would be made to facilitate an early and positive resolution.
The Minister also assured that he would take up with the Government of Odisha the issues relating to transportation of coal from SCCL’s Naini Coal Mine in the state.
The review meeting was attended by Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Pankaj Jain, Private Secretary to the Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri Veera Reddy, Adviser, Ministry of Coal, SCCL Directors Shri L. V. Suryanarayana, Shri K. Venkateswarlu, Shri Gautham Potru, and Shri M. Tirumala Rao; Shri B. Venkanna, Executive Director (Coal Movement), Shri T. Srinivas, General Manager (Coordination & Marketing), and other senior officials.
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