KoBold Metals

KoBold Metals is a California-based artificial intelligence-powered mineral exploration company founded in 2018. The company utilizes AI, machine learning, and cloud computing techniques to assess the composition of the subsurface and identify potential mineral deposits, particularly focusing on critical materials needed for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies. KoBold's primary focus is on discovering and developing deposits of metals such as copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel.

At the core of KoBold's technology is TerraShed, a data platform that aggregates and structures large scientific data collections, making them quickly available for analysis. The company employs various proprietary modules and machine learning models to guide decisions throughout the exploration process. KoBold's approach combines AI systems with geoscience expertise to determine what information will best reduce uncertainty in finding minable ore deposits.

In July 2024, KoBold announced a significant copper discovery in Zambia, estimated to be the largest in over a decade. The company's Mingomba project is expected to produce at least 300,000 tons of copper annually once fully operational, with an estimated value of billions of dollars per year for decades. The deposit boasts copper ore grades of more than 5%, significantly higher than the industry average of around 0.6%.

KoBold's exploration methods have shown promising results. During a 2022 field season in northern Quebec, the company's AI-guided approach led to hitting nickel-sulfide mineralization in eight out of 10 drill holes, a success rate approximately 10 times better than the industry average for similarly isolated drill holes. The company currently has more than 60 exploration-stage projects across several countries.