To boost coal output, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is focussing on starting mining operations in the Kondapuram underground coal mine by the end of the month and the Manuguru Opencast extension project by the end of the year.
The Kondapuram project was sanctioned in December 2008 at an estimated outlay of Rs. 19.29 crore. It envisaged the opening of a new underground coal mine expansion project with a production capacity of 0.51 million tonnes of coal per annum, in 477 hectares of forest land in Manuguru mandal.
The project initially evoked concerns from environmental organisations over its location – a couple of kilometres from the periphery of the Kinnerasani wildlife sanctuary.
The SCCL, subsequently, submitted a detailed report to the Central government agencies detailing the underground mode of mining planned without damaging the environment.
The project received stage-I clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in 2011. The State government forwarded the compliance report to the MoEF to grant final approval to the project early this year.
The Kondapuram underground mine is expected to become operational by the end of this month, said M. Mallesham, chief general manager, SCCL, Manuguru area.
Two Load Haul Dumpers will be deployed in the coal mine initially, which will be replaced by two Continuous Miners next year.
Efforts are on to construct a flood protection bund for the Manuguru Opencast Project, he said, adding that the project, with a production capacity of 1.50 million tonnes per year, would augment coal production significantly.
Top priority has been given to ensuring expeditious implementation of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement package by the departments concerned for operationalising the project at the earliest.
Efforts are on to construct a flood protection bund for the Manuguru Opencast Project
M. Mallesham
Chief general manager, SCCL, Manuguru area
