Deputy CM Bhatti moots Singareni-Hutti JV for gold mining

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Deputy Chief Minister M. Bhatti Vikramarka at UT opencast gold mine in Raichur district of Karnataka on Friday.

Deputy Chief Minister M. Bhatti Vikramarka has asked the authorities of Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) to explore the possibility of setting up a joint venture with Hutti Gold Mines, a Karnataka Government undertaking with extensive experience in gold mining.

Combining the technical capabilities and expertise of the two State public sector undertakings could help achieve better results in increasing domestic gold production. As part of his second-day visit to the gold mining areas of Karnataka on Friday, the Deputy Chief Minister visited Hutti and UT gold mines in Raichur district.

Stating that Hutti Gold Mines has vast experience in gold exploration, mining, processing and refining, he suggested combining Hutti’s expertise with Singareni’s technical capabilities in the exploration and mining of coal and other minerals.

Stating that gold plays a crucial role in the country’s economic security, he suggested that public sector organisations such as Singareni should take the lead in scientifically exploring and extracting the country’s available gold mineral resources.

The Deputy Chief Minister inspected the production unit, ore processing plant and electro-winning facility at Hutti Gold Mines. Officials explained to him various stages through which the ore extracted from the mine is processed and converted into refined gold. They informed him that the Hutti project was producing an average of 2 to 4 kilograms of gold per day.

At the UT Open Cast Gold Mine viewpoint, Mr Bhatti observed the process of extracting gold-bearing ore and the areas from which the ore was being extracted. He also examined detailed maps related to the gold mine and sought information from officials about the technologies being used for gold exploration.

During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by the Chairman and Managing Director of SCCL, Buddhaprakash Jyoti, Director (Planning & Projects) Venkateshwarlu, officials of Hutti Gold Mines and others.

During a visit to the Devadurga area, he said the exploration block secured by Singareni through the auction being located close to Hutti Gold Mines presents a major opportunity. He directed officials to make use of Hutti Gold Mines’ technical expertise in the Devadurga project.

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