G Kishan Reddy Launches Critical Minerals CoE & VR Mine Lab at IIT Dhanbad

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy has inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Minerals Mission along with India’s first Virtual Reality Mine Simulator (VRMS) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-ISM), Dhanbad. This landmark initiative marks a significant step in strengthening India’s mining innovation ecosystem and advancing sustainable resource management.

The newly launched Centre of Excellence will serve as a national hub for research and industry-scale solutions in critical minerals. Its focus spans across exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, reuse, and waste-to-wealth strategies, ensuring India builds resilience in securing essential resources for future technologies.

The VR Mine Simulator, developed in collaboration with Coal India Ltd. and IIT Dhanbad, introduces cutting-edge immersive training for mining professionals. By simulating real-world mining environments, the lab aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and skill development in the sector.

During his visit, Minister Reddy also inaugurated two flagship projects of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad, reinforcing the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s coal and mineral industries. He engaged with IIT students in a candid dialogue, encouraging them to drive innovation and sustainability in mining practices.

This initiative not only strengthens India’s mining capabilities but also aligns with the country’s broader vision of self-reliance in critical minerals, essential for sectors like renewable energy, electronics, defense, and advanced manufacturing.