Telangana, Queensland Sign Pact for Critical Minerals
Bhatti stated that Singareni Collieries would act as the nodal agency for joint mining and mineral trade between Telangana and Queensland.
Hyderabad: The state government has entered into an agreement with the Australian state of Queensland for the mutual exploration of 11 critical minerals. This marks a significant milestone in Telangana’s mining history, said Deputy Chief Minister and energy minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.
Speaking at a meeting with Queensland’s finance minister Rose Bates on “Production of Key Minerals and Expansion of Trade Opportunities” at Singareni Bhavan on Monday, Bhatti highlighted the growing demand for electric vehicles, solar power and battery storage systems in Telangana and across India.
“To meet this demand, we require critical minerals such as vanadium, cobalt, indium, chromium and titanium. So far, these minerals have been imported. As Queensland has abundant reserves, the Telangana government has reached a preliminary agreement for a mutually beneficial partnership for the production and sale of these minerals,” he said.
Telangana has set a target of generating 20,000 MW of green energy by 2029-30 and is formulating plans to achieve this goal. “In this regard, we may seek Queensland’s cooperation,” he explained.
Bhatti stated that Singareni Collieries would act as the nodal agency for joint mining and mineral trade between Telangana and Queensland. “Singareni will proceed with a detailed business agreement based on mutual understanding. A Singareni team will soon visit Queensland to study and assess the potential collaboration,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Queensland minister Rose Bates said they were looking to strengthen their relationship with Singareni, which has extensive experience in the mining sector. “We have reached a basic understanding for a joint partnership in the production of key minerals, including cobalt, titanium, graphite, chromium, tungsten, antimony, rhenium and indium, along with other rare earth minerals,” she said.
Queensland’s chief of staff Michael Negerawich, South Asia investments senior commissioner Abhinav Bhatia, South Asia senior director Munish Kaushal, Singareni director (E&M) D. Satyanarayana Rao and other officials attended the meeting.
