Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has directed Singareni officials to explore a joint venture with Karnataka’s Hatti Gold Mines for future gold mining projects. He gave these instructions during a visit to the Hatti and UTI gold mines in Raichur district, Karnataka, on the second day of his tour to the region.

The Deputy CM, who also holds the Finance and Energy portfolios, said combining the technical expertise of both public sector companies could improve India’s domestic gold production. He noted that Hatti Gold Mines has vast experience in gold exploration, mining, processing and refining, and suggested that Singareni’s technical skills in coal and mineral mining be combined with this experience. Bhatti Vikramarka said gold plays a key role in the country’s economic security, and government companies like Singareni should take the lead in scientifically exploring domestic gold reserves to reduce import dependence.

During the visit, he inspected the production unit, mineral processing centre and electro-winning unit at Hatti Gold Mines. Officials told him the project currently produces two to four kilograms of gold daily. He also visited the UTI open-cast and underground gold mines, and asked officials about mining technology, transport and worker safety. Singareni CMD Dr Buddha Prakash Jyothi and other senior officials accompanied him on the tour.