US officials, SCCL CMD hold talks on critical minerals collaboration | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is likely to partner with US companies in the critical mineral sector and data centres in the Singareni region, offering to provide pumped storage power.A high-level delegation led by the political and economic chief of US Consulate in Hyderabad, Meredith Metzler, held discussions with SCCL chairperson and managing director Buddhaprakash Jyoti at Singareni Bhavan on Friday, focusing on joint partnerships in the critical minerals sector and other potential areas of cooperation. SCCL officials briefed the US consulate delegation on its proposed pumped storage power plans, Geo-Science Laboratory (GSL) facilities and its plans in the critical mineral sector.During the meeting, 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 technological collaborations with several countries. Responding positively, the US delegation highlighted the opportunities for collaboration with several American companies operating in the critical minerals sector. The delegation also expressed interest in the facilities available at SCCL’s recently established Geo-Science Laboratory at Kothagudem and the potential for extracting Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from the overburden of opencast mines.The CMD explained that the company is seeking foreign investments and partnerships with technology and research institutions to strengthen its presence in this sector. Members of US Consulate said that several American companies have similar interests and expressed their willingness to explore potential collaborations. They also invited SCCL to participate in a critical minerals conference scheduled to be held in the US in April 2027.With the rapid growth in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the modern era, the US representatives stated that they were exploring suitable locations for establishing data centres and expressed interest in setting up such facilities in Telangana. They pointed out that adequate water availability and uninterrupted power supply are essential requirements for establishing data centres. SCCL officials explained that the company has proposed to establish pumped storage power plants at several locations by utilising its worked-out opencast mines. These projects could provide a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to data centres, particularly during peak hours. They further stated that these plants could be developed through suitable investments and partnerships. The officials also explained the possibility of sourcing water from the nearby Godavari River.Buddhaprakash invited the US delegation to visit Singareni’s mines and the GSL to gain first-hand insights into the company’s operations and facilities.