Mine2Twin: A Synergistic Industry-Academia Collaboration to Improve Engineering Skills for Industry 5.0

Industry 5.0 is reshaping workforce requirements by emphasizing the integration of human creativity with advanced technologies, such as automation and artificial intelligence. Teaching engineering skills within the context of Industry 5.0 and large industrial applications has become increasingly complex. Active learning and hands-on experimentation are critical to improving understanding and skill development in this rapidly evolving environment. This paper presents the development of a set of scenario-based learning experiences using an industry-validated digital twin to address these challenges, specifically in the context of mineral processing. While based on a small test group, preliminary results indicate that these scenario-based experiences significantly improve students' understanding of complex mineral processing concepts. Additional testing and validation is still ongoing. Feedback from testers suggests that the tool could also enhance other coursework, research, and capstone projects by offering a practical, interactive approach to learning. The study builds on industry-accepted tools to improve engineering curricula by integrating real-world applications into academic programs. Furthermore, it provides a model for incorporating advanced technologies, such as digital twins, into engineering coursework, aligning with the needs of Industry 5.0.