The newly launched Centre of Excellence (CoE) will serve as a national hub for research and industry-scale solutions in the critical minerals sector.

Focused on exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and waste-to-wealth initiatives, the CoE will collaborate with global leaders, including the University of Cambridge and St. Petersburg University, along with Indian institutes like IIT Gandhinagar, IIT BHU, and CPI (UK). Alongside the CoE, the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, inaugurated India’s first virtual reality-based mine simulator for coal mining. Developed by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Coal India, the VR simulator offers a 360-degree immersive experience, enhancing safety preparedness and skill development for mine workers.

During his visit, Minister Reddy emphasised, “The mining sector is at a pivotal stage, where technology, sustainability, and critical minerals are key to India’s future,” highlighting the importance of research-driven innovation to shape the country's mining landscape.