Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu announced that Singareni would now participate in coal block auctions to secure its survival and protect the livelihood of 40,000 employees. The decision was declared at a press conference in the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat on Friday.
The Deputy CM said Singareni had earlier lost two major blocks worth about ₹60,000 crore because it was not allowed to join auctions. He recalled that after the Supreme Court ruling, the Centre began auctioning coal blocks to public and private entities. However, due to policy hesitations, Singareni missed out on opportunities, leading to heavy losses.
Telangana backs Singareni coal block auctions for workers’ future
Bhatti Vikramarka stressed that winning new blocks would not only benefit the company and safeguard 40,000 direct and 30,000 contract workers, but also increase royalty and tax revenues for the State. He warned that 10 mines could close in five years, affecting 8,000 workers, unless new blocks are secured.
He said Singareni currently operates 38 mines and produces 72 million tonnes annually, but output could fall by half without new allocations. Allowing the company into auctions, he said, was a decisive step to secure jobs and revenues.
The Deputy CM also highlighted Singareni’s expansion into green energy. Under “Singareni Green Energy Limited,” the company is setting up solar and pumped storage projects. Additionally, “Singareni Global” is being launched to explore international opportunities in critical minerals. An agency has been hired to study prospects abroad.
As part of diversification, Singareni recently won an exploration license for gold and copper in Karnataka’s Raichur and Devadurga regions. The block carries a 37.7% royalty share, ensuring long-term benefits for the company.
Singareni CMD N. Balaram said the company has the capacity to produce 100 million tonnes of coal annually, but lack of blocks restricted growth. He welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a new opportunity. Senior officials and Peddapalli MLA Vijaya Ramana Rao attended the event.
