State sets focus on development of new coal blocks and enhancing mine safety

A high-level delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and comprising senior officials from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and GMMCO Ltd is currently on an official tour of the United States to study advanced mining technologies and strengthen safety standards in Singareni operations. As part of the visit, the team toured the manufacturing and technology centres of global mining equipment giants Caterpillar and Komatsu in Arizona and Texas.

The visit is aimed at bringing world class mining technologies to Singareni, with a particular focus on modernisation, automation and worker safety. During their visit to the Caterpillar Demonstration and Learning Centre in Tucson, Arizona, the delegation observed the operation of large scale mining machinery using autonomous and remote control systems. Detailed discussions were held with technical experts on heavy equipment used in opencast mines, operator training methodologies and advanced safety features designed to minimise workplace accidents.

A key area of interest was tele remote operation technology, which enables machinery to be controlled from a safe distance, significantly reducing human exposure to hazardous mining environments. Officials believe the adoption of such technologies could substantially improve safety conditions in Singareni mines.

The delegation later visited Komatsu’s mining equipment manufacturing facility in Longview, near Dallas, Texas, where they reviewed equipment manufacturing and assembly processes. Discussions focused on future technological collaboration, equipment procurement, spare parts availability, maintenance support and strategies to reduce downtime and operating costs.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, accompanied by senior officials from the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and GMMCO Ltd., visiting Caterpillar and Komatsu mining equipment manufacturing facilities in Texas and Arizona on Thursday.

The importance of the visit is heightened by Singareni’s recent acquisition of two major coal blocks. The Tadicherla Open Cast 2 block in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, and the PKOC 2 Dip Side block in Manuguru, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, together add more than 360 million tonnes of coal reserves to the company’s portfolio. These reserves are expected to play a crucial role in helping SCCL achieve its annual coal production target of 100 million tonnes.

With large scale mining projects planned in these blocks, significant deployment of heavy machinery, including shovels, dumpers, draglines and drilling systems, will be required. Officials said the exposure to advanced technologies from Caterpillar and Komatsu will help Singareni strategically plan future equipment purchases, fleet expansion, automation initiatives and skill development programmes. The initiative also supports Singareni’s long term vision of balancing coal production growth with improved safety standards and its gradual transition toward cleaner energy solutions.

The programme was attended by Deputy CM’s secretary Krishna Bhaskar, Caterpillar India representative R.K. Mishra, Dennis, and other officials.