China has introduced two artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems designed to advance mineral exploration and geological mapping. This was reported by Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.
The first AI system integrates big data, artificial intelligence and other modern technologies into regional geological surveying. It combines information collected from space, the air and the ground, supporting the entire process from preliminary research and field data collection to geological analysis, map compilation and the presentation of results.
The system can identify geological bodies with an overall accuracy of more than 90 per cent. It also increases the efficiency of data processing, integrated analysis and geological map compilation by over 50 per cent. The AI system has been tested on nearly 100 map sheets at a scale of 1:50,000.
The second AI system focuses on the use of artificial intelligence in mineral prospecting. It combines geoscience data, geological knowledge, exploration models and more than 200 data-processing and analysis algorithms. The system can process geological, gravity, magnetic, electrical, geochemical and remote-sensing data to identify mineralisation patterns and potential exploration areas.
The technology supports several working modes, including expert-led, automated and human–AI collaboration. It can integrate data, identify exploration targets, create three-dimensional geological models, prepare resource assessments and generate professional maps and evaluation reports. According to test results, tasks that previously required around six months can now be completed in one week.
During gold exploration in the western Qinling region, the system processed and assessed data from 32 map sheets in just five days. The system identified two gold exploration targets and four areas suitable for further prospecting. It can also be applied to the exploration of minerals such as iron, copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, lead, zinc, uranium, and potash.
The system incorporates decades of mineral exploration expertise from the China Geological Survey (CGS) and has been tested in more than 100 projects across over 10 provincial-level regions in China. Experts noted the two technologies could support the intelligent transformation of mineral exploration worldwide and contribute to innovation in geological surveying.