The United States is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to support its efforts in locating critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and tellurium. Spearheaded by public–private partnerships and supported by agencies like the Department of Energy, AI platforms are being trained on vast geological datasets—including historical drilling records, geochemical maps, and satellite imagery. These tools help identify high-potential mineral zones faster and with greater precision than traditional exploration methods. A government-backed AI initiative has already contributed to identifying what may become one of the country’s most significant new rare earth deposits, offering hope for a more self-reliant critical mineral supply chain.
Private companies are also making breakthroughs. Startups like Earth AI and Terra AI have developed proprietary models that analyze decades of mineral data to generate drill-ready targets. Field tests have shown that AI-guided exploration significantly outperforms conventional techniques, both in accuracy and cost. Meanwhile, other firms are using AI to design low-impact exploration strategies, minimizing surface disturbance and streamlining permitting processes. These advancements not only enhance the efficiency of mineral discovery but also signal a broader shift toward more environmentally responsible exploration practices.
The integration of AI into mineral exploration marks a turning point in how the U.S. can rebuild domestic resilience while enhancing social license to operate. AI enables companies to reduce the ecological footprint of exploration and increases transparency in site selection. For communities often wary of mining’s legacy of disruption, this data-driven approach offers a chance to do things differently—by engaging stakeholders early, providing clear evidence for decision-making, and minimizing unnecessary impact. In this context, AI becomes not just a tool for efficiency but a pathway to more legitimate, community-informed mineral development.