Union Minister G Kishan Reddy Inaugurates CoE & VRMS in Jharkhand

On December 23, 2025, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, who oversees the Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of Mines, inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) and India’s first Virtual Reality Mine Simulator (VRMS) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dhanbad, also known as the Indian School of Mines (ISM), located in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. This event marks a significant step towards advancing mining technology and education in India.

Key Highlights of the Inauguration

• What: Inauguration of CoE, VRMS, and two flagship projects of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
• Who: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy.
• Where: IIT Dhanbad, Jharkhand.

Centre of Excellence (CoE)

Overview

The CoE will serve as a national hub for research and industry solutions in critical minerals. Its focus will encompass various aspects including exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, reuse, and waste-to-wealth initiatives.

Collaborations

The CoE will collaborate with several esteemed institutions and industry partners, including:

• IIT Gandhinagar
• IIT Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• University of Cambridge (UK)
• St Petersburg University (Russia)
• Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), UK

Virtual Reality Mine Simulator (VRMS)

Development and Features

The VRMS has been developed by IIT Dhanbad in collaboration with Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL). The simulator features a 360-degree immersive Virtual Reality theatre that recreates real mining environments using actual mine data.

Training Modules

VRMS offers over 20 structured training modules that cover:

• Operation of heavy mining equipment
• Critical safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Emergency Response (ER) scenarios
• Productivity and operational efficiency

Safety Preparedness

One of the key advantages of the VRMS is its ability to enhance safety preparedness. It allows for risk-free training, reduces training time by nearly 50%, improves operational efficiency and decision-making, and minimizes accidents through realistic hazard simulations.

Flagship Projects of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)

Dugdha Solar Power Project

The 20-Megawatt (MW) Dugdha Solar Power Project was inaugurated in the Dugdha region of Bokaro, Jharkhand. This solar plant is expected to generate 37.43 Million Units (MU) of green electricity annually, thereby reducing carbon emissions by approximately 33,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) of CO2 equivalent each year. This project aligns with the Ministry of Coal’s target of achieving 12 gigawatts (GW) of Renewable Energy (RE) capacity by 2030.

Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC)

The ICCC is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled facility that acts as a digital brain for BCCL. It utilizes AI and real-time data analytics to monitor mine sites, washeries, and transportation systems centrally. The integration of technologies such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) vehicle tracking, and automated weighbridges enhances transparency, decision-making efficiency, and safety response.

National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM)

Overview

The National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) was approved and launched by the Government of India on January 29, 2025. Its primary aim is to ensure secure, sustainable, and self-reliant access to critical minerals essential for various key industries.

Implementation and Duration

The NCMM is implemented under the Ministry of Mines and spans seven years, from Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) to FY31, with a total outlay of Rs. 34,300 crore.

Importance of Critical Minerals

Critical minerals are vital for industries such as Renewable Energy (RE), Electric Vehicles (EV), electronics, defence, space, and semiconductors. They are particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions due to import dependence or geographical risks.

About Jharkhand

Jharkhand, known for its rich mineral resources, is headed by Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar. The capital city is Ranchi, and the state is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary and Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Centre of Excellence and the Virtual Reality Mine Simulator marks a significant advancement in India’s mining sector, promoting research, safety, and sustainability. These initiatives are expected to enhance the capabilities of the workforce and contribute to the nation’s goal of self-reliance in critical minerals.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest developments as of December 2025.