Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Monday welcomed the successful allocation of the PKOC-2 (Prakasam Khani Opencast) Dipside Coal Block near Manuguru in Bhadradri Kothagudem district to the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).

The auction process for the block was completed on Monday, paving the way for its allocation to SCCL. In a statement, Mr. Kishan Reddy described the allocation as a significant milestone in strengthening SCCL’s long-term growth, financial sustainability and fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of the company and its workforce.

Recalling the recent allocation of the Naini Coal Block in Odisha and the Tadicherla-2 Coal Block to SCCL, the Minister said workers and trade union leaders had strongly urged the allocation of the PKOC-2 Dipside Block as well.

“Fulfilling this demand was a matter of responsibility for me, not only as the Union Minister but also as a son of Telangana and someone deeply committed to the welfare, progress and future of Singareni. I am delighted that these sustained efforts have resulted in yet another major achievement for SCCL,” he said.

The PKOC-2 Dipside Block contains an estimated 180 million tonnes of coal reserves and is expected to produce around six million tonnes annually over a mine life of 25 years. The mine is expected to generate employment opportunities for nearly 2,000 people. The availability of high-quality G-8 grade coal from the block is expected to generate more than ₹43,000 crore in revenue for SCCL. The project is also projected to contribute over ₹10,500 crore to the State government through statutory payments and levies.

Mr. Kishan Reddy said the combined benefits of the Naini, Tadicherla-2 and PKOC-2 Dipside coal blocks would add about 860 million tonnes of coal reserves to SCCL, support average annual production of 22 million tonnes for nearly 35 years, generate revenue exceeding ₹1.95 lakh crore for the company and contribute more than ₹48,000 crore to the State government. The projects are expected to create livelihood opportunities for around 6,500 people. The Minister congratulated SCCL employees, workers, management and all stakeholders on the achievement.