Newly listed Lithium Universe is using AI to dial in on those big mineral deposits

Artificial intelligence is making headlines for its potentially transformative and disruptive impact on multiple industries, including exploration. Lithium Universe is betting AI can give it an edge.

Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) is working with Canada’s KorrAI Technologies to use AI to assist in developing its exploration strategy.

KorrAI’s technology and expertise are in the use of satellite data and AI to enhance field exploration practices, optimise time spent in the field, optimise cost, and improve exploration outcomes using data-driven decisions.

This is achieved through the use of AI to process and analyse satellite data and images to create maps that show different geological features like outcrops, pegmatites, and vein formations.

Along with the use of spectral data to identify areas that are more likely to have valuable mineral deposits, the use of AI will help Lithium Universe’s field teams improve the accuracy and efficiency of their exploration efforts by focusing on specific locations with high potential.

Lithium Universe chairman Iggy Tan noted that KorrAI has been successful at using satellite data and AI technology to optimise field exploration practices in the James Bay whilst working with companies such as Patriot Battery Metals.

“By employing advanced algorithms, KorrAI has created maps that identify geological features like outcrops, pegmatites, and vein formations, using spectral data to locate potential mineral deposits,” he added.

“This AI-driven approach enhances exploration accuracy and efficiency, allowing us to focus our field activities and resources more effectively, reducing exploration timelines and costs.”

Using AI at Apollo

This technology has already been used in the hunt for lithium-caesium-tantalum bearing pegmatites at the Apollo project.

Different types of data, like visible and infrared light, microwave signals, and magnetic readings, were combined to create a detailed picture of the area.

AI models were then used to analyse the data and identify 448 priority targets at Apollo that were further narrowed down to 28 specific areas for field mapping and sampling.

Ground truthing the satellite-based targets by geological mapping and collection of field samples and capturing photos with the context of local topography is crucial for correlating geological features, enhancing understanding, and reducing false positives.

Additionally, field sampling and additional datasets, such as high-resolution magnetics and hyperspectral data, would serve as a foundation for enhanced AI modelling methodologies, which can be effective for future sampling and drill targeting.

The first phase of exploration at Apollo will see the use of regional prospecting and mapping to decipher geological context and identification of host rocks for LCT pegmatites.

Work to be carried out during this phase includes high-resolution airborne magnetic surveying at 50m line spacing, ground-based gravity survey, geological mapping and wide-spaced soil sampling.

Lithium Universe will then move onto the second phase, which will follow-up on areas of interest discovered during this first phase.

It will carry out a higher resolution UAV drone-based aeromagnetic infill survey on the highly prospective area, expand and infill the geological mapping and infill soil sampling to determine drill ready LCT targets.

Other work carried out during this phase includes pitting and trenching to increase geological knowledge and for the collection of channel samples for geochemical, mineralogical determination and to support preliminary metallurgical test-work/evaluation studies.

The third phase will include more follow-up geological mapping, further infill soil sampling, and planning of a larger ground-based gravity survey covering the areas of potential drilling before the company drills diamond holes targeting highly prospective LCT pegmatite dykes.

This article was developed in collaboration with Lithium Universe, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.