Revolutionizing Mining: AI Technology Transforms Core Analysis

In a significant advancement for the mining industry, GeologicAI has developed a technology that combines artificial intelligence with geological analysis, fundamentally changing how core samples are examined. Traditionally, the process of logging rock cores, which are drilled to assess mineral potential, has been largely manual and reliant on human expertise. This method, however, has limitations, as noted by Michelle Legat, vice-president of applied geosciences at GeologicAI: “We miss things, and we miss a lot of things.”

The traditional process can be costly, with drilling core samples priced between $50 to $150 per metre. This means a single 1,000-metre hole could surpass $100,000 in expenses. GeologicAI aims to enhance this process by replacing handwritten logs with mobile labs that scan cores directly on mining sites. This technology generates digital records that can be analyzed and shared almost instantly, a considerable improvement over conventional methods.

Transforming Core Logging

Upon drilling, geologists typically analyze the core samples in remote locations, where they manually log observations. This time-consuming practice is replaced by GeologicAI’s high-resolution imaging and AI-driven analysis, which highlights critical geological features often overlooked by the human eye. With this technology, veins, fractures, and mineral variations can be flagged within seconds.

Legat explained that the mobile labs enable entire drilling programs to be captured in real-time, allowing geologists to check scans for quality and accuracy on-site. What once took weeks or months to interpret can now be accomplished in under a day, leading to a permanent record that facilitates comparisons across teams and projects.

The effectiveness of this technology has attracted significant investment. In July 2023, GeologicAI secured $44 million in Series B funding from notable investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, BHP Ventures, and Rio Tinto. This funding aims to expand their innovative systems globally, further establishing the company’s presence in the mining sector.

A New Era for Mining

The mining industry is currently experiencing a wave of innovation that parallels advancements in other sectors. Companies that adopt new technologies are witnessing greater efficiency and productivity. According to the Mining Association of Canada, the mining sector contributed $117 billion to the national GDP in 2023, representing 4% of the economy and supporting over 430,000 direct jobs.

As demand grows for critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy, regions like Australia, Chile, and China are making substantial investments in digital exploration and technology partnerships. These developments underscore the importance of data and technology in reshaping the future of mining, positioning Canada to strengthen its role in global supply chains.

With his background in enterprise-scale data projects, John Mortimer joined GeologicAI as chief technology officer, attracted by the company’s potential to meet the rising demand for critical minerals. Mortimer emphasizes the importance of data management in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of mining operations, stating, “If there is one thing that we need to care about, it’s the data. It’s the data platform.”

In a recent case at a silver mine on Canada’s west coast, GeologicAI’s technology identified high-grade material that had previously gone unnoticed due to traditional logging methods. This highlights the impact of advanced data analytics on mining economics, as missing a section of core can result in substantial financial losses.

Despite initial skepticism from seasoned geologists, Legat has observed a shift in attitudes towards the new technology. Veteran loggers, who have relied on manual methods for decades, are increasingly recognizing the accuracy and detail captured by the AI-driven scans. “Once you win those ones, you win everybody,” she noted, reflecting on the importance of peer influence in adopting new practices.

The integration of GeologicAI’s technology fosters consistency in core logging, as personal biases and variations in experience among geologists can lead to discrepancies in data recording. By providing a standardized approach, the system ensures that all team members can access the same quality of information.

As the mining industry continues to evolve, GeologicAI is positioned to play a pivotal role in driving innovation. The company is not only supplying technology but is also exploring direct investments in mining projects, further demonstrating its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risks associated with exploration and investment.

Ultimately, the shift towards digital core logging represents more than just a technological upgrade; it is a cultural transformation within the mining industry. As both geologists and investors come to trust the accuracy of AI-driven data, the foundations of mining exploration and investment are set to change significantly. The future of mining is increasingly reliant on a unified, secure data platform that promises to streamline operations and bolster investor confidence.