Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has directed officials to expedite mineral exploration activities in the Devadurga Gold–Copper block, which was secured by the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in the open auction last year. Stating that the block being located close to Hutti Gold Mines as a major advantage, he asked the officials to make use of Hutti Gold Mines’ technical expertise in the Devadurga project.Vikramarka has directed officials to explore the possibility of setting up a joint venture between SCCL and Hutti Gold Mines, a Karnataka govt undertaking with extensive experience in gold mining. He said that combining the technical capabilities and expertise of the two public sector undertakings could help achieve better results in increasing domestic gold production.The deputy CM along with SCCL CMD Buddha Prakash Jyoti and other officials visited the gold mine areas of the Hutti and UT gold mines in Raichur district in Karnataka. He thoroughly inspected the processes involved, from the extraction of gold ore to the production of refined gold. Bhatti instructed officials to accelerate exploration using advanced technological methods to assess the quantity and quality of mineral deposits in Devadurga. He also directed them to prepare plans in advance for the next phase of activities so that they can be taken up immediately once the exploration yields encouraging results.He asked the SCCL CMD to complete all necessary arrangements at the earliest for the early inauguration of the Singareni site office to be established at Devadurga.Gold Is Crucial to Economic SecurityBhatti Vikramarka said that gold plays a crucial role in the country’s economic security. He said that public sector organisations such as SCCL should take the lead in scientifically exploring and extracting the country’s available gold mineral resources.He said the need to reduce dependence on gold imports and increase domestic production. He said that a Hutti–Singareni partnership could contribute to increasing gold production, adopting advanced technologies, creating local employment opportunities and strengthening the country’s economic development.Inspection from Mining to RefiningThe deputy CM inspected the production unit, ore processing plant and electrowinning facility at Hutti Gold Mines. Officials explained to him the various stages through which the ore extracted from the mine is processed and converted into refined gold. Officials informed him that the Hutti project produces an average of 2 to 4 kilograms of gold per day.At the UT Open Cast Gold Mine viewpoint, the deputy CM personally observed the process of extracting gold-bearing ore and the areas from which the ore was being extracted. He enquired with officials about the depth from which the raw material required for gold production was being extracted from the open-cast mine. He subsequently examined detailed maps related to the gold mine and sought information from officials about the technologies being used for gold exploration.ends/
