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G Kishan Reddy Launches Critical Minerals Research Hub and India’s First VR Mine Training Facility at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy on Thursday inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals and a Virtual Reality–based Mine Simulator at the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, marking a significant step toward technology-led transformation of India’s mining sector.

The Centre of Excellence has been established under the National Critical Minerals Mission and is envisioned as a national platform for advanced research and scalable industry solutions. Its mandate spans the entire critical minerals value chain, including exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, recycling, reuse, and waste-to-wealth initiatives.

The centre will collaborate with leading international academic institutions such as the University of Cambridge and St Petersburg University, while also receiving infrastructure and technical support from IIT Gandhinagar, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, and CPI (UK), strengthening its global and domestic research ecosystem.

Alongside the research hub, the Minister also inaugurated India’s first Virtual Reality Mine Simulator for coal mining operations. Developed by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in partnership with Coal India Limited, Northern Coalfields Limited, and Eastern Coalfields Limited, the facility uses real mine data to deliver a fully immersive 360-degree training experience.

The simulator is equipped with more than 20 specialised training modules covering heavy machinery operations and critical safety standard operating procedures. It enables scenario-based training, assessment, and certification for personnel across operational levels—from machine operators to senior management. The institute expects the system to reduce training duration by nearly 50 percent while significantly improving safety readiness and operational efficiency.

During an informal interaction with students and young researchers at RD Chowk on campus, the Minister discussed innovation, sustainability, clean energy, and the strategic importance of critical minerals. He encouraged students to pursue research-driven and non-traditional career paths, underscoring the role of youth-led innovation in shaping India’s future in mining and energy.

Reddy also highlighted IIT (ISM)’s long-standing contribution to India’s mining ecosystem through research excellence and technological innovation. He noted that the sector is undergoing a structural transformation driven by digitalisation, sustainability imperatives, critical mineral security, and national self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The Minister further referred to digital initiatives such as Coal SETU, the Koyla Shakti Dashboard, and Integrated Command and Control Systems, which are being deployed to enhance transparency, real-time monitoring, efficiency, and safety across mining operations in the country.