Virtual Reality Mine Simulator (VRMS)

Why in News?

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Minerals Mission and India’s first Virtual Reality Mine Simulator (VRMS) at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Key Highlights

• Centre of Excellence (CoE):
  • National hub for research and industry-scale solutions in critical minerals.
  • Focus areas:
    • Exploration, extraction and processing
    • Recycling, reuse and waste-to-wealth
  • Supports India’s strategic mineral security and energy transition goals.
• Virtual Reality Mine Simulator (VRMS):
  • Developed by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad with Coal India Ltd, NCL and ECL.
  • India’s first VR-based coal mine simulator.
  • Features:
    • 360-degree immersive VR theatre
    • Real mine data
    • 20+ training modules on heavy machinery operation and safety SOPs
• Significance:
  • Improves mine safety and productivity.
  • Strengthens skill development using advanced digital tools.
  • Aligns with Digital India and Make in India initiatives.

Source: PIB