How Artificial Intelligence and New Tech Are Transforming Mineral Exploration

Embracing Digital Intelligence in the Quest for Critical Minerals

As the mining industry grapples with rising costs, increased exploration depth, and the urgent need for sustainable practices, technology is revolutionizing how mineral resources are discovered. At the forefront of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI), which dominated discussions at the recent PDAC Convention, one of the industry’s most influential gatherings.

The combination of AI, geophysical imaging, hyperspectral analysis, and cloud-based data platforms is reshaping mineral exploration, allowing companies to process more data, faster, and with greater accuracy. While traditional drilling remains essential, the tools used to guide where and how to drill are evolving rapidly.

AI-Powered Exploration: Smarter Targeting and Faster Decisions

AI is no longer a futuristic concept in mining — it’s a current and growing force. According to a recent GlobalData survey, more than half of industry professionals ranked AI-driven exploration and resource evaluation as a top investment priority for the next five years. Companies are using AI and machine learning (ML) to process satellite imagery, geological data, and historical drilling records. These systems detect subtle patterns that might go unnoticed by human geologists, allowing for more precise targeting of potential deposits.

As Jonathan Rudd, President of Dias Geophysical, explains, deeper and more complex mineral deposits require new subsurface characterization methods. “Technologies that can characterize the subsurface at greater depths will make the difference,” he says.

AI thrives on integrating vast datasets. By combining geology, geophysics, and geochemistry, AI platforms can reveal hidden trends and generate predictive models — significantly improving efficiency and success rates in exploration campaigns.

Cloud Platforms and Real-Time Collaboration

The shift toward centralized, cloud-based geoscience platforms is enabling greater collaboration and faster data-driven decisions. Seequent, a global geoscience software provider, has launched Seequent Evo, a platform designed to break down information silos and unify massive datasets.

“Centralizing data improves collaboration through data management, geospatial search, and 3D visualization,” says Alex Boucher, Vice President at Seequent Labs. These capabilities allow exploration teams to share real-time insights, reduce duplication, and maintain alignment across departments and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, companies like Fleet Space Technologies are combining satellite connectivity, seismic sensor data, and AI in their ExoSphere exploration platform. CEO Flavia Tata Nardini urges the mining sector to take a more data-driven approach: “Today there is too much gambling instead of really looking into the data.”

Fleet Space has already partnered with major mining players such as Rio Tinto, Gold Fields, and Barrick, proving that advanced tech is no longer optional but increasingly essential in competitive exploration.

Real-World Impact: Imaging, Hyperspectral, and Muon Tomography

New imaging technologies are also advancing rapidly. Hyperspectral imaging, muon tomography, and 3D seismic systems offer the ability to explore deposits at greater depth with non-invasive techniques. BHP, one of the world’s largest miners, is collaborating with Ideon Technologies to trial muon detectors at its Olympic Dam site in Australia. These tools are being used to map high-density structures nearly a kilometer below the surface — areas that were previously inaccessible or economically unviable.

Similarly, start-ups like KoBold Metals, backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, are investing heavily in AI-based mineral discovery, with over $1 billion in funding supporting their efforts to identify the world’s next major ore bodies using predictive algorithms and advanced sensor data.

These developments highlight a broader shift — mining companies are no longer just resource extractors, but data-focused technology adopters using every tool available to reduce costs, minimize risk, and make smarter investment decisions.

Overcoming Barriers: Culture, Codes, and Data Integration

Despite these breakthroughs, the adoption of new technology in mineral exploration still faces resistance. Chris Evans, Managing Director at Winsome Resources, explains that regulations in jurisdictions like Canada and Australia still require extensive traditional drilling for resource validation — regardless of how precise non-invasive imaging may become.

“Even if a technology could map out an orebody perfectly, investors still want to see drill results before committing capital,” Evans notes.

There’s also a cultural challenge: many mining teams still rely on legacy workflows and tools that don’t easily integrate with newer systems. John Vandermay, CTO at Seequent, emphasizes that the biggest barrier is overcoming product and information silos. Without interoperability, AI platforms cannot deliver their full value.

Additionally, managing vast, complex datasets remains a work in progress for many exploration companies. As Haydn Daxter, CEO of Power Metals, points out, companies have spent millions collecting data — but much of it is underutilized due to poor integration and analytics tools.

A Shift Toward a Tech-Driven Future

Despite the hurdles, the direction of the industry is clear. As technologies mature and companies begin to see real-world ROI from early adoption, the pace of digital transformation is accelerating.

“The mining industry needs to adapt by embracing new workflows and rapidly evolving technologies like AI and machine learning,” Boucher says. “This adaptability will be crucial for staying competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.”

From automated data platforms and satellite-linked sensors to AI-powered predictive models, mineral exploration is being reshaped by technology. And while physical drilling won’t disappear, the decision of where, when, and how to drill is increasingly guided by machines — smarter, faster, and more accurate than ever before.

This summary is based on the original article by International Mining. Read the full article here: Link