Singareni Achieves Major Milestone in Sustainable Mining, Receives ₹40 Crore Escrow Refund..

Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has achieved another significant milestone in sustainable mining by successfully completing the closure of the Dorli-2 Opencast Mine in the Bellampalli area in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Coal. Recognizing the company’s strict adherence to environmental protection measures, land restoration, and mine closure norms, the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) has approved the return of the escrow deposit made at the time of the mine’s commencement. The amount, along with accumulated interest, is estimated to be nearly ₹40 crore.

The Dorli-2 mine received approval during 2013-14, and Singareni deposited ₹26.79 crore as an escrow fund to ensure the implementation of environmental and mine closure commitments. After the mine was closed in 2023-24, an independent audit conducted by the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, confirmed that all commitments had been fulfilled satisfactorily. Based on the audit findings, the CCO approved the release of approximately ₹36.63 crore, representing 90 percent of the deposit and interest, while the remaining amount will be released after further review. The achievement reflects Singareni’s commitment to balancing mining operations with environmental sustainability.