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.

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jan 2026

Rosatom Delivers Nuclear Fuel for Kudankulam Unit 3

Rosatom has recently supplied nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1000 reactor core at Unit 3 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, marking a key milestone in the second stage of the Russian-designed nuclear power project in southern India.The fuel was supplied by Rosatom’s Nuclear Fuel Division, managed by TVEL, and manufactured at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant. The delivery includes the initial reactor load along with reserve fuel assemblies and is part of a long-term contract covering the entire operational life of Units 3 and 4.Building on operational experien..

Infrastructure Transport

16 Jan 2026

CBL International Enables First LNG Bunkering at Xiaomo Port

CBL International recently completed the first-ever LNG bunkering operation at Xiaomo Port, supplying liquefied natural gas to vessels operated by BYD in support of its maritime decarbonisation strategy. The operation was facilitated through a physical supplier in collaboration with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which supported the port’s inaugural LNG bunkering activity. The milestone represents a strategic expansion of CBL International's sustainable fuel offerings beyond biofuels, while also diversifying revenue streams. As global shipping intensifies efforts to cut em..

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jan 2026

Aimtron, Aurassure Partner for IoT Weather Systems

Aimtron Electronics has recently entered into an OEM manufacturing engagement with Aurassure to produce new-age, IoT-enabled weather and environmental monitoring systems in India. The collaboration supports the growing demand for real-time environmental intelligence across urban, industrial and infrastructure applications. The engagement comes as global focus on climate-risk management and data-driven planning accelerates. The global weather monitoring systems market, valued at around USD 2.1 billion in 2024, is projected to reach nearly USD 4.8 billion by 2034, driven by the rapid adoption o..