Mfikeyi Makayi: The emerging science of finding critical metals 

The emerging science of finding critical metals 

Your smartphone, computer and electric car all depend on one thing — critical minerals buried deep underground. But there’s a catch: the mining industry has gotten dramatically worse at discovering new deposits just when we need them most, says mining innovator Mfikeyi Makayi. She introduces new AI-powered technology that could fix this problem by predicting mineral locations 10,000 times faster than conventional methods and transforming an industry essential to a sustainable future. 

Critical minerals are essential for everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, but traditional mining methods have become ten times less effective at discovering new deposits over the past 30 years. Despite this, most ore deposits remain hidden underground, waiting to be found. New AI-driven exploration technology can predict mineral locations 10,000 times faster than conventional methods, enabling smarter, cleaner, and more efficient mining. This leap offers a path forward for building the circular economy that modern life demands.

AI Uncovers Hidden Minerals To Power A Clean Future

The clean energy transition depends on critical minerals, yet traditional mining has become ten times worse at finding new deposits in the past 30 years. With over 400 new mines needed by 2040, most ore deposits remain hidden, not depleted. Innovative AI tools now predict where these metals lie 10,000 times faster than old methods, turning uncertainty into actionable insight. Smarter exploration means more efficient, sustainable, and resilient mining to power tomorrow’s technology.