Union Minister G Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Critical Minerals Centre, VR Mine Simulator at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
On December 26, 2025, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Minerals Mission and India’s first Virtual Reality Mine Simulator (VRMS) at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad (IIT (ISM) Dhanbad). This initiative aims to enhance innovation, safety, and sustainability in the mining sector.
Establishment of the Centre of Excellence
The newly launched Centre of Excellence will serve as a national hub dedicated to research and industry-scale solutions in critical minerals. Its focus areas include:
- Exploration
- Extraction
- Processing
- Recycling
- Reuse
- Waste-to-wealth initiatives
The CoE is set to collaborate with leading global institutions, including the University of Cambridge and St. Petersburg University. It will also receive infrastructure support from IIT Gandhinagar, IIT BHU, and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) in the UK.
Introduction of the Virtual Reality Mine Simulator
Alongside the CoE, the Minister inaugurated the Virtual Reality Mine Simulator, which is designed to improve coal mining safety and productivity. Developed by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with Coal India Ltd., Northern Coalfields Ltd., and Eastern Coalfields Ltd., the simulator features:
- A 360-degree immersive virtual reality theatre
- Real mine data integration
- Over 20 training modules
This simulator provides hands-on training for heavy equipment operations and critical safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). It also offers scenario-based assessments and certifications for personnel ranging from operators to senior management. The VRMS is expected to reduce training time by nearly half while significantly enhancing safety preparedness in the mining sector.
Engagement with Students and Researchers
During an informal interaction at RD Chowk, a traditional student gathering spot on campus, Minister Reddy engaged with students and young researchers over tea. The discussion revolved around key topics such as:
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Critical minerals
- Clean energy
- Indigenous research-driven solutions
Encouraging students to explore unconventional career paths, the Minister urged them to see themselves as contributors to national development and strategic sectors. He emphasized that the future of India’s mining and energy sectors will be shaped by innovation-driven youth.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s Role in India’s Mining Future
Minister Reddy highlighted IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s pivotal role in shaping India’s mining future through research, knowledge creation, and technological advancement. He noted that the mining sector is undergoing a transformative phase driven by technology, sustainability, critical minerals, and national security. This aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India.
Digital Initiatives in the Mining Sector
In his address, the Minister also cited several digital initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and safety of the mining sector. These include:
- Coal SETU: A digital platform for real-time monitoring and data management.
- Koyla Shakti Dashboard: A tool for tracking coal production and distribution.
- Integrated Command and Control Systems: Systems designed to improve operational efficiency and safety.
These initiatives leverage technology to enhance real-time monitoring, efficiency, transparency, and safety in the mining industry.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Critical Minerals Centre and the Virtual Reality Mine Simulator at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad marks a significant step forward in enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the mining sector in India. With the support of educational institutions and global collaborations, the future of mining in India looks promising, driven by innovation and a commitment to national development.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest developments as of December 2025.
