Abstract: The application of virtual simulation experiments in continuing education faces problems such as lack of standards and significant differences in student groups. This article takes the mining engineering major of a certain university as a case study to analyze the strategies of applying virtual simulation experiments in continuing education, and proposes optimization paths such as developing unified standards, strengthening digital literacy training for students, enhancing teacher staff construction, and improving assessment and evaluation systems. The application shows that virtual simulation experiments have improved students' learning participation and course completion rates, reduced teaching costs and safety risks, enhanced students'practical abilities and professional competitiveness, and provided theoretical support and practical references for the high-quality development of higher education continuing education.

Key words: Virtual simulation experiment, Continuing education, Talent cultivation, Mining engineering, Practice, Application path