Last summer, mining startup KoBold made a splash when it announced the discovery of one of the world’s largest copper deposits in Zambia.
Now, another startup, Earth AI, has exclusively revealed to TechCrunch its own groundbreaking discovery: promising deposits of critical minerals in Australia—regions long ignored by traditional mining outfits. While the size of these deposits remains uncertain, the breakthrough suggests that AI-driven mineral exploration will play a pivotal role in securing future supplies.
AI-Driven Exploration in Overlooked Regions
Earth AI’s discoveries challenge conventional mining wisdom, demonstrating that AI-powered analysis of historical geological data can outperform traditional methods. The company leverages decades-old exploration reports stored in Australia’s national archives, using machine learning to sift through past successes and failures.
“For some reason, nobody’s using them,” Teslyuk said. “If I could build an algorithm that can absorb all that knowledge and learn from the failures and successes of millions of geologists in the past, I can make much better predictions about where to find minerals in the future.”
From Software to Drilling Innovation
Initially, Earth AI focused on selling its AI-driven mineral predictions to mining companies. However, skepticism in the industry—where billions of dollars hinge on proven results—led Earth AI to develop its own drilling equipment to validate its predictions.
The startup was accepted into Y Combinator’s Spring 2019 cohort and has since refined both its software and hardware. In January 2025, Earth AI secured a $20 million Series B funding round, reinforcing its commitment to AI-driven mineral discovery.
While Earth AI shares similarities with KoBold in its AI-centric approach, Teslyuk highlights a key difference: Earth AI’s algorithms are designed to scan vast regions rapidly and cost-effectively, identifying overlooked mineral deposits in record time.
“The way we used to explore for metals in the past, in the 20th century, it just took very, very long. It takes decades to find something,” Teslyuk said. “With the modern pace of the world, you just can’t wait that long.”
A New Era of AI-Powered Mining
Earth AI’s success underscores a growing trend in AI-driven mineral exploration, proving that machine learning can transform how critical resources are discovered and extracted. As demand for essential minerals skyrockets due to advancements in technology and renewable energy, AI may hold the key to unlocking the next generation of sustainable mining practices.
Also Read : Apple is Bringing Lossless Audio and Low-Latency Audio to AirPods Max
