About Singareni Collieries Company
The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is a Government coal mining company jointly owned by the Government of Telangana and Government of India on a 51:49 equity basis. The Singareni coal reserves stretch across 350 Km of the Pranahita – Godavari Valley of Telangana with a proven geological reserves aggregating to whopping 8791 million tonnes. SCCL is currently operating 16 opencast and 30 underground mines in 4 districts of Telangana with a manpower around 58,837.
While historically technology has been a critical factor in SCCLs ability to reduce environmental impacts and occupational hazards, the need to constantly increase productivity and cut costs has demanded that the company goes in for phased mechanization and adapts state-of-the-art technologies.
SCCL pioneered mechanization of coal mines in India by adopting coal drilling machines as far back as in 1937. In 1950 Shuttle Cars, Gathering Arm Loaders, Conveyors and Coal Plough Equipment were introduced. Later in a path breaking move to replace arduous manual labour, Road Headers, Load Haul Dumpers and Side Dump Loaders were gradually brought in.
A combination of modern machines in Open Cast Mining like Walking Draglines, Shovels and High Capacity Dumpers were introduced in 1975. In-pit Crushing and Conveyor technology for Over Burden removal and coal extraction was commissioned for the first time in Ramagundam Open Cast Mine with German assistance in 1994.
In 2002, Surface Miner Technology which not only facilitates cost reduction but also contributes to eco friendly mining, was introduced for the first time. Longwall technology in Under Ground Mining in 1983 and also Blasting Gallery (BG) Technology in 1989 were other notable introductions. Today, with 4 Longwall Panels and 5 BG Panels working in the company, mechanization of Under Ground Mines is being planned with state-of-the-art technologies like Continuous Miner and Punch Longwall. Already the mechanization of Under Ground Mining has seen the commissioning of 104 Side Discharge Loaders and 37 Load Haul Dumpers that have enhanced safety and productivity during the last four years. Other innovations in Under Ground Mines are 35 man-riding systems (chairlift and railcar) that have improved transportation inside the mines.