Kent State researchers use AI to map critical minerals

A research team led by David Costello at Kent State University is developing an artificial intelligence framework to identify critical mineral deposits across the United States. The project, titled “AI-Driven Probabilistic Source Mapping for Critical Minerals at Continental Scale,” is a nine-month Phase I initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission.

The framework aims to analyze decades of water-chemistry data collected by state, federal, and local agencies. By examining trace elements in surface water, the AI can potentially signal the location of essential minerals such as copper, cobalt, and manganese. These materials are vital for the production of batteries, solar panels, and advanced manufacturing—resources that the United States currently imports in large quantities.

The research involves a collaborative team including experts from the U.S. Geological Survey, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Virginia Tech.