Hyderabad, July 24 -- Telangana deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday, July 24, said the state government would extend its full support to strengthen and expand the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), while urging the public sector miner to diversify into critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt to remain competitive in the changing energy landscape.

Addressing a meeting at Singareni headquarters in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Vikramarka said the government was committed to protecting and transforming the 130-year-old company into a globally competitive enterprise.

He said the energy sector is expected to undergo significant changes over the next 15 to 20 years, with growing reliance on solar power, pumped-stora...