Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) signs an agreement to begin exploration for gold and copper deposits in Karnataka, according to reports from The Hindu and Times of India. The company’s stated plan is to carry out exploration activities in the state as part of its efforts to expand beyond coal-related operations. The agreement sets out the framework for starting exploration and related work at prospective sites, with SCCL moving forward on geological assessment activities to identify and evaluate mineral resources. The coverage notes that SCCL is expanding its exploration portfolio to include precious and base metals such as gold and copper. Details such as the specific locations covered, the exploration timeline, and the partners involved are not provided in the brief excerpts supplied, but the reporting consistently describes the signing of a pact and the intention to initiate gold and copper exploration in Karnataka. The move is framed as a step toward diversifying SCCL’s mining and resource development activities.