G Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Critical Minerals CoE, VR Mine Lab

25 Dec 2025 CW Team

The newly launched CoE will function as a national anchor for research and industry-scale solutions across the critical minerals value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, reuse and waste-to-wealth initiatives. The centre will collaborate with industry leaders and international universities such as the University of Cambridge and St Petersburg University, while receiving infrastructure support from IIT Gandhinagar, IIT BHU and CPI (UK).

Alongside the CoE, the Minister inaugurated India’s first virtual reality-based mine simulator for coal mining safety and productivity. Developed by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries—Northern Coalfields Limited and Eastern Coalfields Limited—the VRMS features a 360-degree immersive virtual reality theatre. Using real mine data, it offers more than 20 training modules covering heavy equipment operations and critical safety standard operating procedures. The simulator enables scenario-based assessment and certification for employees ranging from operators to senior management and is expected to reduce training time by nearly half while enhancing safety preparedness.

During his visit, G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India, interacted informally with students and young researchers at RD Chowk, a long-standing campus meeting point. The discussion covered technology-led transformation in mining, opportunities in critical minerals, sustainability, clean energy and the need for indigenous, research-driven solutions.

Earlier, the Minister highlighted IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s role in shaping India’s mining future through innovation and research. He noted that the sector is at a pivotal stage where technology, sustainability, critical minerals and national security are advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, supported by increased R&D investment, a growing patent ecosystem and digital initiatives such as Coal SETU, the Koyla Shakti Dashboard and integrated command and control systems.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy today inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Minerals Mission and a Virtual Reality Mine Simulator (VRMS) at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad during his two-day visit to Jharkhand.The newly launched CoE will function as a national anchor for research and industry-scale solutions across the critical minerals value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, reuse and waste-to-wealth initiatives. The centre will collaborate with industry leaders and international universities such as the University of Cambridge and St Petersburg University, while receiving infrastructure support from IIT Gandhinagar, IIT BHU and CPI (UK).Alongside the CoE, the Minister inaugurated India’s first virtual reality-based mine simulator for coal mining safety and productivity. Developed by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries—Northern Coalfields Limited and Eastern Coalfields Limited—the VRMS features a 360-degree immersive virtual reality theatre. Using real mine data, it offers more than 20 training modules covering heavy equipment operations and critical safety standard operating procedures. The simulator enables scenario-based assessment and certification for employees ranging from operators to senior management and is expected to reduce training time by nearly half while enhancing safety preparedness.During his visit, G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India, interacted informally with students and young researchers at RD Chowk, a long-standing campus meeting point. The discussion covered technology-led transformation in mining, opportunities in critical minerals, sustainability, clean energy and the need for indigenous, research-driven solutions.Earlier, the Minister highlighted IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s role in shaping India’s mining future through innovation and research. He noted that the sector is at a pivotal stage where technology, sustainability, critical minerals and national security are advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, supported by increased R&D investment, a growing patent ecosystem and digital initiatives such as Coal SETU, the Koyla Shakti Dashboard and integrated command and control systems.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..