State Government Initiates Comprehensive Expansion Plan
Target to Commission 3 Projects This Year and 2 More Next Year
Initiative Aimed at Energy Security and Employment Continuity
HYDERABAD, MAY 09, 2026: The State Government has initiated a comprehensive plan for the development of 9 new coal mining projects for Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), to ensure long-term operational sustainability and energy security.
The initiative is intended to offset production losses arising from the phased closure of existing mines due to depletion of reserves, ensure continuity of employment for the workforce, and meet the growing energy demand of the State. SCCL has been directed to expedite all preparatory activities and obtain necessary statutory approvals at the earliest.
In line with these directions, SCCL has prepared detailed proposals for nine projects and submitted them to the Union Ministries of Coal, Forest and Environment for requisite clearances.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister & Energy Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu are closely reviewing the progress of approvals. The Deputy Chief Minister & Energy Minister Sri Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu has held meetings with concerned authorities in New Delhi, emphasising the need for timely clearances in view of the State’s energy requirements.
Approvals have already been received for 3 projects. Coal production has commenced at the Naini Block in Odisha following coordination with the Government of Odisha. The VK Coal Mine in Kothagudem has also completed major statutory formalities and is ready for the commencement of production.
Medium to Long-Term Production Sustainability – 20 Years
By 2027–28, four mines in SCCL are expected to cease operations, leading to an estimated reduction of 12.51 million tonnes in annual coal production. The proposed 9 projects are expected to bridge this gap and ensure an uninterrupted coal supply for the next two decades.
The projects include the development of new open-cast mines, extensions of existing operations, and the extraction of residual coal reserves from previously closed underground mines.
Details of Proposed Projects and Estimated Coal Reserves Under the State Government Initiative
The State Government has identified nine new projects under its initiative to strengthen SCCL’s future coal production. These projects include the development of new open-cast mines, the expansion of existing mines, and the extraction of remaining coal reserves from previously closed underground mines.
VK Coal Mine (Kothagudem Area) – This is a key project with estimated coal reserves of 190 million tonnes. The project has already received most of the required statutory approvals. Overburden removal activities have commenced, and the project is expected to be taken up for coal production shortly.
- JK Open Cast Mine (Yellandu Area) – 19.68 Million Tonnes
- Ramagundam OC-1 Expansion Project – 181.60 Million Tonnes
- Goleti Open Cast Mine (Bellampalli Area) – 38.98 Million Tonnes
- MVK Open Cast Project – 30.34 Million Tonnes
- Manuguru Open Cast Extension – 40.45 Million Tonnes
- RKP OCP Phase-2 (Mandamarri Area) – 34.42 Million Tonnes
- PK Coal Mine, Kondapur (Manuguru Area) – 62 Million Tonnes
CMD Reviews Implementation Progress
In line with the directions of the State Government regarding expeditious development of new mining projects, SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti conducted a detailed review meeting on Saturday with senior officials to assess the progress of the proposed projects.
He directed officials to expedite pending statutory approvals and take necessary steps to ensure commencement of production from at least three projects within the current financial year, as per the State Government’s target timeline.
The meeting was attended by Directors Sri L.V. Suryanarayana, Sri K. Venkateswarlu, Sri Gautham Potru, Sri Tirumala Rao, ED (Coal Movement) Sri B. Venkanna, Advisor (Forestry) Sri Mohan Parigen, GM (Coordination & Marketing) Shri T. Srinivas, GM (CPP) Sri A. Manohar, GM (PP) Sri G. Devender, and other senior officials.
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