The Telangana-based Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) has officially commenced operations at Odisha’s Naini Coal Block in Chhendipada, Angul.
This marks a significant milestone for SCCL, as it steps outside Telangana for the first time in its 130-year history.
The coal mine, allotted to SCCL in May 2016 by the Union Ministry of Coal, took nearly nine years to obtain all necessary approvals and clearances. Officials estimate that the mine holds 340.78 million tonnes of coal, with a peak production capacity expected to reach 10 million tonnes per year, ensuring sustained operations for the next 38 years.
A Milestone for SCCL SCCL chairman and managing director N Balaram referred to the commencement of production as a “historic day” for the organization. Compared to the 17 opencast mines under SCCL in Telangana, the Naini Block stands out as its largest project yet.
Additionally, SCCL officials emphasized that the overburden removal for Naini will be significantly lower than in existing Singareni mines. While the average overburden removal in the Singareni coal belt is 12 million cubic meters per tonne, Naini requires just 2.5 million cubic meters, making operations more efficient.
Enhanced Infrastructure for Transportation To facilitate coal transportation, SCCL has awarded contracts for overburden removal, mining, and coal transport. Initially, the coal will be transported by road to the Jarapada railway siding, with plans underway to construct a 60 km railway link in collaboration with other mine allottees in the region.
With this expansion into Odisha, SCCL cements its position as one of India’s leading coal production companies, catering to growing industrial demand while diversifying its geographical footprint.
