Lithium Universe employs artificial intelligence for Apollo exploration strategy

Newly-listed explorer Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has announced an exploration strategy employing artificial intelligence (AI) for use at the Apollo lithium project in Canada.

The company has been working with Nova Scotia-based KorrAI Technologies on data-driven decisions to enhance field exploration practices, optimise costs and time spent in the field and improve exploration outcomes.

KorrAI has used advanced algorithms to create maps showing different geological features such as outcrops, pegmatites, and vein formations; and spectral data to help identify areas which are more likely to contain valuable mineral deposits.

The AI technology improves the accuracy and efficiency of exploration efforts, helping Lithium Universe target its activities and allocate resources more effectively, which reduces the time and cost of exploration.

If successful, the use of AI at Apollo could potentially fast-track exploration activities which may have otherwise been planned to kick-off within the next 12 months.

Previous field tests

The predictive AI models employed at Apollo have been subject to previous field tests across various sites within the James Bay region.

The models have targeted lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites and used convolutional neural networks to digitise predicted features.

At Apollo, AI technology will be used in conjunction with staged ground-truthing activities and airborne and ground-based geophysics techniques to further develop the overall exploration strategy.

AI advantage

Chairman Iggy Tan said an AI-based approach could be an advantage to the Apollo project given the shorter exploration window due to the northern winter.

“We expect AI techniques will enhance exploration accuracy and efficiency, allowing us to focus our field activities and resources more effectively and reduce exploration timelines and costs,” he said.

Advanced technology

Lithium Universe, which listed on the ASX this week, has completed a study at Apollo to explore how advanced technology such as remote sensing and airborne and ground-based geophysics combined with artificial intelligence could advance exploration efforts.

The study used data such as visible and infrared light, microwave signals and magnetic readings captured by multiple satellite and airborne platforms to gather information about the property and create a detailed picture of the area.

AI models were then used to analyse the data and identify 448 priority targets where valuable minerals might be present.

Lithium Universe narrowed the targets to 28 specific areas for field mapping and sampling.