Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy handed over licenses to Singareni CMD N. Balram, permitting exploration of gold and copper minerals in the Devadurga region of Karnataka.

The licenses were presented during the Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence Seminar organized by the Union Ministry of Mines at T-Hub, Hyderabad.

Singareni had secured these rights in the Union Ministry’s March auction for critical minerals, bagging exploration rights over 199 sq. km in Devadurga with a royalty of 37.75%.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister said public and private enterprises must join forces to make India self-reliant in the critical minerals sector. He noted that the Government of India has earmarked Rs 32,000 crores for the development of this sector and urged the winning companies to begin exploration activities at the earliest.

Singareni’s foray into gold and copper exploration marks a significant milestone in the company’s diversification drive beyond coal. Company officials stated that this opportunity would not only strengthen Singareni’s mineral portfolio but also contribute to the national demand for critical minerals essential in electronics, renewable energy, and industrial manufacturing.