Singareni Steps Up Critical Mineral Exploration, Bhatti Vikramarka Orders Faster Work at Devadurg
Hyderabad, August 26, 2026: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has directed Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to speed up exploration at the Devadurg gold and copper block in Karnataka.
The direction came during a high-level review meeting on Wednesday at Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad. Senior Singareni officials attended the meeting.
SCCL CMD Dr. Buddhi Prakash Jyoti and directors Suryanarayana, K. Venkateshwarlu and Tirumala Rao were among those present.
Bhatti to Visit Devadurg Block
Bhatti Vikramarka said he would visit the Devadurg block on Thursday with senior Singareni officials. The visit is aimed at assessing ground conditions and reviewing the progress of exploration.
The Deputy Chief Minister also asked officials to prepare a detailed action plan. The plan should focus on faster exploration and identifying the mineral potential of the block.
Singareni will also seek support from the Karnataka government. This includes permissions, infrastructure and other assistance needed for exploration.
Singareni Looks Beyond Coal
Bhatti said Singareni must move beyond its traditional dependence on coal mining.
He stressed the need to expand into critical and strategic minerals. The Devadurg project could become an important foundation for this diversification.
Singareni secured the exploration licence for the Devadurg gold and copper block through the Union government’s mineral auction process. The block covers about 199 square kilometres across Karnataka’s Raichur and Yadgir districts.
The company formally began exploration preparations after signing an agreement with Karnataka’s Department of Mines and Geology earlier this month. The exploration programme is expected to run for five years.
Focus on Gold and Copper Exploration
The Devadurg exploration programme will involve several technical stages.
These include remote sensing, geological mapping and geophysical surveys. Scout drilling will then be carried out at selected locations.
Samples collected during the process will undergo detailed scientific analysis. SCCL has also established a Geo-Science Laboratory at Kothagudem for mineral studies.
Officials have indicated that SCCL aims to complete the initial G4-stage exploration within two years. The wider exploration programme is scheduled over five years.
Singareni Asked to Target More Mineral Blocks
Bhatti Vikramarka also instructed Singareni to actively participate in mineral auctions.
He asked officials to monitor opportunities in India and overseas. The company should identify blocks that can strengthen its long-term business prospects.
The Deputy Chief Minister specifically highlighted minerals such as vanadium and titanium. He said Singareni should prepare in advance for upcoming opportunities.
He also called for greater focus on copper, graphite, lithium and cobalt. These minerals are becoming increasingly important for energy, manufacturing and advanced technologies.
Global Opportunities on Singareni Radar
The Telangana government also wants Singareni to explore opportunities outside India.
According to the review, international consultants have been appointed to study mineral opportunities in countries such as South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Chile.
Bhatti directed officials to examine viable international projects. The objective is to identify opportunities that can strengthen Singareni in the long run.
The diversification push follows Singareni’s recent entry into critical mineral exploration. The Devadurg licence marked the company’s first major move into gold and copper exploration.
Coal Production Will Remain a Priority
Despite the diversification plan, Bhatti made it clear that coal remains central to Singareni.
He directed officials to maintain adequate coal production. The company must continue meeting the requirements of Telangana’s power sector.
The Deputy Chief Minister linked the need for stronger coal supplies to rising electricity demand and energy security.
A New Direction for Singareni
Bhatti Vikramarka said the government wants to transform Singareni into a stronger and more profitable public sector enterprise.
The broader strategy is to combine Singareni’s coal-mining expertise with new opportunities in critical minerals.
The Devadurg gold and copper project is expected to play an important role in that transition.
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