Exclusive: Earth AI’s algorithms found critical minerals in places everyone else ignored | TechCrunch
Mar 25, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Mining startup Earth AI has discovered promising deposits of critical minerals in Australia, using artificial intelligence to identify areas previously overlooked by traditional methods. The company, founded by Roman Teslyuk, has pinpointed deposits of copper, cobalt, and gold in the Northern Territory, as well as silver, molybdenum, and tin in New South Wales. Earth AI emerged from Teslyuk’s graduate studies at the University of Sydney and leverages a national archive of exploration data to make predictions about potential mineral deposits. Despite initial skepticism from potential customers, the company developed its own drilling equipment to validate its software predictions and was accepted into Y Combinator’s spring 2019 cohort, later raising a $20 million Series B.
Earth AI distinguishes itself from other companies like KoBold by training its algorithms to quickly and efficiently scan wide areas for mineral deposits. This approach aims to accelerate the traditionally lengthy process of mineral exploration, which Teslyuk argues is necessary given the modern pace of the world. The company’s innovative use of AI in mining suggests that future supplies of critical minerals may increasingly rely on technological advancements rather than geographical exploration.
Key takeaways:
Earth AI has discovered promising deposits of critical minerals in Australia using AI technology, similar to KoBold's discovery in Zambia.
The company identified deposits of copper, cobalt, and gold in the Northern Territory and silver, molybdenum, and tin in New South Wales.
Earth AI emerged from Roman Teslyuk's graduate studies and focuses on using AI to make predictions about potential mineral deposits.
To prove the effectiveness of its technology, Earth AI developed its own drilling equipment and raised $20 million in a Series B funding round.
