Hyderabad, Aug 28 (PTI) The Telangana government has launched a gold and copper mining exploration programme at the Devadurga block in Karnataka, where the former’s SCCL has secured exploration rights.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka launched the initiative on Thursday at the gold and copper mining block in Devadurga by the state-owned Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) at Lingadahalli village of Raichur district, an official release said.
Following the launch, he inspected the mineral exploration sites on the ground.
Vikramarka said that Singareni Collieries, which has nearly 136 years of extensive experience in the mining sector, had secured exploration rights for the Devadurga Block through the tenders conducted by the central government.
Speaking after the field inspection, he said that Singareni would soon accelerate the exploration activities.
He expressed confidence that if the project succeeds and significant quantities of gold and copper are found, it would not only create large-scale employment opportunities for unemployed youth in the region but also accelerate the development of the area.
He announced that Singareni would soon establish a site office at Devadurga to enable officials to stay at the location and closely monitor the exploration activities.
A helipad would also be established to facilitate travel and movement. Construction works would begin as soon as the local revenue authorities allot the required land.
Vikramarka appealed to the local people to extend their cooperation and help complete the project successfully at the earliest. He expressed the hope that the exploration programme would contribute significantly to the progress of both Telangana and Karnataka and strengthen the country’s economy by adding to its mineral wealth.
As part of his visit, the deputy CM inspected the areas identified for mineral exploration from the Devadurga gold mineral block viewpoint at Lingadahalli. He later visited an exhibition displaying various mineral samples collected by Singareni officials from the block.
He enquired with officials about the proposed gold and copper exploration and extraction processes and reviewed the plans in detail.
Singareni CMD Buddha Prakash Jyothi expressed joy over the launch of the gold and copper exploration activities in the presence of local people, the release added.
SCCL is a government coal mining company jointly owned by the Telangana government and the Union Government on a 51:49 equity basis. PTI VVK VVK SA
