SCCL to Expand Operations into Critical Minerals, Targets Lithium, Copper, Gold and Rare Earths

Hyderabad, October 26, 2026: The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), a major coal-producing public sector enterprise jointly owned by the Telangana government and the Government of India, is accelerating its diversification strategy by expanding into critical and strategic minerals. The move aims to strengthen the company’s long-term growth prospects, reduce dependence on coal mining and support India’s efforts to secure domestic supplies of minerals essential for advanced technologies and clean energy.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has directed SCCL officials to explore new mining opportunities involving lithium, copper, gold, vanadium and other strategic minerals. During a review meeting with senior officials, he also called for greater operational efficiency, lower production costs and a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the company’s financial position.

SCCL Looks Beyond Traditional Coal Mining

SCCL is exploring opportunities across the critical minerals sector as demand grows for materials used in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy systems, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

The diversification strategy includes participating in domestic and international mineral block auctions, assessing new exploration opportunities and evaluating partnerships that could help the company establish a stronger presence in the global mining industry.

Minerals such as lithium and cobalt are important for battery technologies, while copper is essential for electricity networks, electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure. Vanadium also has applications in energy storage and specialised steel production.

By entering these segments, SCCL aims to broaden its resource portfolio while maintaining its traditional role in supplying coal to India’s energy and industrial sectors.

Devadurga Gold and Copper Exploration Marks a Major Milestone

SCCL has already taken a concrete step towards diversification by securing an exploration licence for a gold-and-copper block in the Devadurga region of Karnataka. The block covers approximately 199 square kilometres across Raichur and Yadgir districts.

In August 2026, the company formally commenced exploration activities following an agreement with Karnataka’s Department of Mines and Geology. The programme includes geological mapping, geophysical surveys, remote sensing and drilling at selected locations. SCCL aims to complete the initial G4-stage exploration within two years, while the overall exploration programme is scheduled to be completed within five years.

Rare Earth Elements from Coal Mining Waste

Beyond conventional mineral exploration, SCCL is also investigating the recovery of rare earth elements and other valuable minerals from coal mining waste.

The company has collaborated with the CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) to assess the potential for extracting critical minerals from overburden, shale, clay, fly ash and bottom ash generated by mining and thermal power operations.

Preliminary studies have identified rare earth elements in selected materials from SCCL’s operational areas. Recovering these resources could create additional value from mining waste while supporting India’s domestic supply chains for advanced technologies. However, commercial viability will depend on further technical assessments, extraction methods and processing costs.

International Expansion and Strategic Partnerships

SCCL is also examining opportunities to participate in critical mineral projects outside India. The Telangana government has encouraged the company to study investment opportunities in countries such as Australia, Brazil, South Africa and Chile.

Potential partnerships and international investments could provide access to mineral resources, technical expertise and new markets. However, these opportunities remain subject to feasibility assessments, investment decisions and regulatory approvals.

The company’s broader diversification strategy includes renewable energy and energy storage, alongside its existing coal mining and power generation operations.

Outlook: SCCL Seeks Long-Term Growth Beyond Coal

SCCL’s expansion into critical minerals comes at a time when India is seeking to strengthen domestic access to materials essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

The company’s immediate priorities include advancing the Devadurga exploration programme, evaluating additional mineral blocks, improving coal production efficiency and assessing opportunities to recover valuable minerals from mining waste.

The key challenge will be converting exploration potential into commercially viable mineral resources. If successful, SCCL’s diversification could create new revenue opportunities, support employment and strengthen India’s critical mineral supply chain while allowing the company to retain its core role in the coal industry.