Hutti–Singareni Gold Mining Partnership: Bhatti Vikramarka Seeks Joint Venture to Boost Domestic Production
Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka has asked Singareni officials to explore a possible joint venture with Karnataka’s Hutti Gold Mines. The proposed partnership could combine expertise in gold exploration, mining, processing and refining.
Raichur/Hyderabad, August 28, 2026: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance and Energy Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has proposed closer cooperation between Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and Hutti Gold Mines.
The move comes as Singareni expands beyond coal into gold, copper and other strategic minerals.
During his visit to Karnataka, Bhatti inspected the Hutti and Uti gold mining operations in Raichur district. He also reviewed the complete gold production process, from ore extraction to refining.
Bhatti asks Singareni to explore Hutti partnership
Bhatti Vikramarka directed Singareni officials to examine the possibility of forming a joint venture with Hutti Gold Mines.
He said the two state-owned organisations could combine their technical strengths. Such cooperation, he noted, could improve exploration and mining outcomes.
Hutti Gold Mines has long-standing experience in gold exploration and production. Singareni, meanwhile, has extensive expertise in large-scale mining operations and mineral exploration.
The proposed collaboration could cover several areas.
These include gold exploration, mining, ore extraction, processing and refining. The plan may also involve modern mining technologies, technical experts and specialised workforce training.
Bhatti asked officials to prepare an action plan for such cooperation.
Focus on reducing India’s gold import dependence
The Deputy Chief Minister said gold is strategically important for India’s economic security.
India remains heavily dependent on imports to meet domestic gold demand. Bhatti stressed the need to increase production from India’s own mineral resources.
He said public sector companies should play a greater role in scientifically exploring and developing domestic mineral deposits.
A Hutti-Singareni partnership could therefore help expand India’s gold production capacity. It could also support technology transfer and create employment opportunities in mining regions.
Bhatti inspects Hutti gold production facilities
During the visit, Bhatti examined various facilities at Hutti Gold Mines.
He inspected the production unit, ore processing plant and electrowinning facility. Officials explained how gold-bearing ore is processed before refined gold is produced.
According to officials, Hutti currently produces around 2 to 4 kilograms of gold per day.
The visit gave Bhatti a first-hand view of the technology and processes used in commercial gold production.
Hutti Gold Mines is a Karnataka government undertaking with a long history in gold exploration and mining. Government records and mineral-sector documents identify Hutti and Uti among the important gold mining operations in Raichur district.
Deputy CM visits Uti open-cast and underground mines
Bhatti also visited the Uti open-cast gold mine.
From the viewpoint, he observed the extraction of gold-bearing ore. He asked officials about the depth and geological conditions associated with the mining operation.
He also examined detailed mine maps.
Officials briefed him about the technologies being used for mineral exploration and extraction.
Bhatti later visited the Uti underground mining operation. He reviewed ore extraction and transportation systems.
He also sought details about machinery deployment and worker safety measures.
During the visit, officials facilitated a tree plantation by the Deputy Chief Minister at the mining site.
Singareni expands into gold and critical minerals
The Hutti visit assumes greater significance because Singareni has already entered gold and copper exploration in Karnataka.
The company secured the Devadurga gold-copper mineral block through an auction. Exploration work is now being pursued in the region.
Bhatti has separately directed Singareni officials to accelerate exploration at the Devadurga block. He also stressed the importance of modern technology in assessing the quantity and quality of mineral deposits.
The Devadurga block is located close to the Hutti Gold Mines. This geographical proximity could make technical cooperation particularly useful.
Bhatti has asked officials to prepare plans for the next stages of the Devadurga project as well.
From coal mining to a wider minerals portfolio
Singareni has traditionally been associated with coal mining.
The Telangana government is now looking to expand the company’s role in other minerals. Gold and copper exploration in Karnataka is part of this broader strategy.
The move could help Singareni build expertise in non-coal mining activities.
It may also open opportunities for the company in India’s growing critical minerals sector.
The proposed Hutti-Singareni cooperation could become an important part of that transition if both sides eventually agree on a formal partnership.
Officials present during the visit
Singareni CMD Dr Buddha Prakash Jyoti, Director (Planning & Projects) Venkateshwarlu and General Manager Pankaj Kuleshrestha were among those present.
Raichur Zilla Parishad member Amjad also participated.
Senior Hutti Gold Mines officials Arunava Ghosh, Safiyulla Khan, Vidhatri Upunda and Yemnoorappa Gowda were present during the inspection.
Retired Colonel Dastagir Saheb Dafedar also participated in the visit.
What the proposed Hutti-Singareni partnership could mean
If the proposal moves forward, cooperation could focus on:
- Gold exploration and geological surveys
- Modern mining technology
- Ore extraction and processing
- Gold refining
- Technical expertise and manpower training
- Safety practices in underground mining
- Development of new mineral projects
- Faster exploration of the Devadurga gold-copper block
For Telangana, the initiative marks a significant step in Singareni’s proposed expansion beyond its traditional coal business.
For Karnataka, closer cooperation with Singareni could provide access to additional mining expertise.
The bigger objective is to strengthen domestic mineral production while making better use of India’s available gold resources.