LONDON: Aterian plc (LSE: ATN), a critical mineral exploration and development company, has signed a pioneering Memorandum of Understanding with a stealth-stage machine learning start-up spun out from the University of Cambridge.
The start-up, backed by the Royal Academy of Engineering and Entrepreneurs First, specializes in advanced computational modeling for mineral exploration.
Under the agreement, the companies will launch a multi-phase pilot program applying multimodal, explainable network inference technology to Aterian’s exploration portfolio, beginning with assets in Morocco.
Phase 1 will leverage historical exploration data to develop and back-test machine learning models aimed at identifying high-potential drill targets. The goal is to reduce drilling requirements while maintaining or improving confidence in resource estimates.
If successful, Phase 2 will expand the model to future exploration projects across Aterian’s pipeline, potentially accelerating discovery timelines and delivering substantial cost savings.
“This groundbreaking collaboration combines Aterian’s African-focused mineral assets with cutting-edge AI,” said Charles Bray, Chairman of Aterian. “We see immense potential to unlock hidden value and support the global energy transition through smarter, faster exploration.”
The start-up’s proprietary algorithms, developed by experts in geophysics, AI, and energy infrastructure, are designed to enhance exploration efficiency and mitigate development risks.
“We’re excited to demonstrate how our technology can materially improve outcomes while reducing environmental impact,” the company said in a statement.
The partnership marks a significant step in integrating artificial intelligence into sustainable mineral discovery.