The AI-powered approach is expected to enhance exploration efficiency. Credit: Maksim Maksimovich/Shutterstock.

US Critical Materials has entered a definitive agreement with VerAI Discoveries to enhance environmentally responsible exploration activities at the Sheep Creek rare earth properties in Montana, US.

The partnership will see the utilisation of VerAI’s AI-based Mineral Targeting Platform for exploration at US Critical Materials’ Sheep Creek rare earths properties.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

It aims to increase the probability of mineral detection under covered terrain at the Sheep Creek area of interest (AOI) while minimising environmental impact.

By leveraging VerAI’s AI technology, the companies anticipate a significant increase in the mineral discovery success rate, potentially 100-times greater than current industry standards.

US Critical Materials president and US Geological Survey (USGS) former rare earths commodity specialist Jim Hedrick said: “The addition of this AI/ML [machine learning] technology will augment US Critical Materials’ current exploration methodologies.

“AI-assisted mineral exploration platforms are beginning to be recognised by the mining industry and major media outlets.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) also is looking at AI-assisted mining to expedite the search for critical minerals needed for US industry, consumer use, and, most importantly, the US military.”

This AI-powered approach is expected to not only enhance the efficiency of exploration but also set a new benchmark for environmentally responsible practices in the sector.

The Sheep Creek AOI is known for its rich geological features, a fact supported by findings from the Idaho National Laboratory and corroborated by independent geophysical surveys.

VerAI Discoveries CEO Yair Frastai said: “VerAI is spearheading a paradigm shift in the exploration sector. We believe that AI and machine learning are essential tools for revolutionising mineral exploration.

“With this definitive agreement, US Critical Materials is proving its forward-thinking approach by leveraging our advanced AI-based targeting technology to systematically de-risk the economics of discovering concealed mineral deposits.”