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.

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.

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..

Equipment

09 Mar 2026

Company showcases North America-certified machinery and secures new deals

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., recently showcased a wide portfolio of North America-certified and customised construction equipment at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas. The display included engineering hoisting machinery, concrete equipment, earthmoving machinery, mining equipment and construction hoisting solutions tailored to regional operational requirements.All equipment presented at the exhibition complies with North American certification standards, with several models specifically developed to meet local regulatory requirements and site conditions. One of the hig..

Technology

09 Mar 2026

Sinoboom Launches Dual-ETM Smart Technology

Sinoboom recently introduced its Dual-ETM Smart Technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, designed to enhance battery endurance and operational efficiency in electric boom lifts.The new technology integrates advanced components that enable real-time optimisation of power usage during equipment operation. By calculating the precise power requirement instantly, the system delivers only the energy needed for each movement, reducing the inefficiencies associated with conventional maximum-demand power systems.The solution incorporates multiple sensors—including pressure, weight, length and level sensor..