Singareni Collieries Strikes Gold with Historic Foray into Mineral Exploration
Hyderabad, August 20, 2025 – In a landmark development, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), a name synonymous with coal for over a century, has now entered the high-stakes world of precious mineral exploration. For the first time in its 136-year history, the state-owned giant has secured rights to explore gold and copper reserves in Karnataka’s Raichur district.
The breakthrough came after SCCL emerged as the L-1 bidder in a competitive online auction conducted by the Union Ministry of Mines. The coveted license grants the company five years to explore the Devadurg block, spread across 199 sq. km, and assess its mining potential. If viable reserves are unearthed, SCCL will earn a 37.75% royalty on operations throughout the mine’s lifespan—a milestone that could redefine its future.
CMD Hails “Proud Entry” into Mineral Sector
Announcing the win, SCCL Chairman & MD N. Balaram called the achievement “a proud entry into the critical minerals sector.” He said, “This success marks a turning point in Singareni’s history and reflects our commitment to Telangana’s vision of expansion beyond coal.”
The Telangana leadership echoed this sentiment. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka congratulated the company, stating, “With over a century of coal mining experience, Singareni is now poised to scale new heights in gold and copper exploration. This is not just a win for SCCL but for Telangana’s ambition to emerge as a global mining hub.”
Karnataka’s Golden Legacy
Karnataka has long been India’s treasure chest of gold. The Hutti Gold Mines, also located in Raichur, account for nearly 80% of India’s current gold output at around 1.8 tonnes annually. The legendary Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), once among the world’s deepest mines, produced more than 800 tonnes of gold before shutting down in 2001.
Now, with Devadurg added to the exploration map, SCCL is betting big on reviving the region’s golden legacy. The company has earmarked ₹90 crore for exploration, with the Centre backing the project through a ₹20 crore subsidy. Once exploration concludes, SCCL will submit its findings to the Union government for the next phase of mining licenses.
Strategic Bidding & Future Roadmap
This success was no accident. Earlier this year, the Centre floated auctions for 13 critical mineral exploration licenses. SCCL entered the fray with bids for three blocks:
- Platinum Group Elements (PGE) in Madhya Pradesh
- Rare Earth Elements (REE) in Andhra Pradesh
- Gold & Copper Block in Devadurg, Karnataka
By clinching the Devadurg block on August 19, SCCL signaled its intent to become a serious player in the critical minerals space—a sector central to India’s self-reliance and global competitiveness.
A Defining Moment
For over a century, Singareni’s identity has been tied to coal. But with climate goals reshaping the energy and mining landscape, this move into gold and copper is more than diversification—it’s a reinvention.
If exploration proves successful, SCCL could not only add billions to its revenue stream but also place India firmly on the map of critical mineral producers. The Devadurg project is, in every sense, the beginning of a golden chapter in Singareni’s illustrious journey.
