US Consulate wants to work with Singareni on critical minerals

CMD of Singareni Collieries Buddhaprakash Jyoti explains SCCL’s foray into critical minerals to US Political and Economic Consulate Meredith Metzler in Hyderabad on Friday. | Photo credit: By arrangement

HYDERABAD

A high-level delegation led by Political and Economic Chief of the US Consulate in Hyderabad Meredith Metzler held discussions with Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti on joint partnerships in the critical minerals sector and other potential areas of cooperation at the Coal Company’s corporate office.

Discussions focused on potential areas of business cooperation and cooperation with SCCL. The CMD explained that SCCL, with its extensive experience in the mining sector, has ventured into the critical minerals sector and is already exploring joint ventures and technology collaborations with several countries.

The US delegation responded positively and highlighted opportunities for cooperation with several US companies operating in the critical minerals sector. The delegation also expressed interest in the facilities available at the recently established Geo-Science Laboratory at Kothagudem and the potential for extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from the overburden of surface mines.

SCCL is making rapid strides in the critical minerals sector, the SCCL CMD said, explaining that the company is looking for foreign investment and partnerships with technology and research institutions to strengthen its presence in the sector. Members of the American consulate reported that several American companies have similar interests and expressed a willingness to explore potential cooperation.

Members of the US Consulate delegation invited SCCL to attend the Critical Minerals Conference to be held next April in the United States. With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) application in modern times, US officials said they are exploring suitable locations for setting up data centers and have expressed interest in setting up such facilities in Telangana state. They emphasized that adequate availability of water and uninterrupted power supply are essential requirements for setting up data centers.

SCCL officials explained that the company proposed to set up pumped-storage plants at several locations using its sophisticated surface mines. These projects could ensure reliable and uninterrupted power supply to data centers, especially during peak hours. They further stated that plants can be developed through suitable investments and partnerships. They also highlighted the possibility of getting water from the nearby Godavari river.

US consulate officials said several US companies have already set up data centers in Telangana, while others are also exploring the possibility of setting up similar facilities. They noted that the infrastructure and facilities available in Telangana, especially in the Singareni region, offer favorable conditions for such investments.

Several US Consulate officials and SCCL management attended the dialogue.

Published – 06 Nov 2026 21:57 IST