U.S. Critical Materials Corp. has announced that it has executed a binding term sheet leading to the preparation of definitive agreements with VerAI Discoveries Inc., an artificial intelligence (AI) powered mineral discovery generator, to deploy its AI Targeting Platform technology.
This technology enables a higher probability of success to detect minerals under covered terrain and to minimise surface disturbances at U.S. Critical Materials’ Sheep Creek rare earth properties in Montana.
Both companies recognise the commitment and responsibility to protect all aspects of the environment in the Bitterroot Valley.
This AI exploration alliance between U.S. Critical Materials and VerAI utilises new cutting-edge exploration techniques to serve as the cornerstone for the next generation of mineral exploration. The Sheep Creek Area of Interest (AOI) boasts a rich geological landscape, validated by confirmation from Idaho National Laboratory and independent geophysical surveys. With VerAI’s AI-powered targeting technology, U.S. Critical Materials intends to set new industry standards for environmentally conscious mineral exploration activities, providing the unique opportunity to bring rare earth elements to the market in their purest form, which is vital for the green energy transition.
Jim Hedrick, President of U.S. Critical Materials, and former rare earth analyst for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), stated “Our focus on environmentally responsible exploration is greatly enhanced by the utilisation of advanced artificial intelligence technology by more precisely focusing on potential target areas and thereby minimising surface disturbance. The addition of this cutting-edge AI will augment U.S. Critical Materials’ current exploration methodologies. We are pleased to utilise VerAI’s next generation AI technology and unique capabilities to enhance the geophysical and other data in our exploration programme going forward.”
U.S. Critical Materials latest samples show TREE readings up to 20.1%, with combined neodymium praseodymium up to 3.3%. US Critical Materials also has gallium readings that are as high as 348 ppm (parts per million). Gallium is profitable to produce at 50 ppm. The company believes there is substantial tonnage and expects to find more high-grade critical mineral locations using VerAI’s innovative, artificial intelligence technology.
“We are thrilled to partner with U.S. Critical Materials, experts in REE exploration, to discover the much-needed rare earth elements in the US,” stated Yair Frastai, CEO of VerAI Discoveries. “At Sheep Creek, we have the opportunity and potential to make an important impact on the supply of critical minerals discovered in the US. This strategy uses VerAI’s AI-driven exploration technology to generate and prioritise drill targets in this covered terrain to not only reduce the environmental impact of exploration but also greatly improve the chances of finding a significant deposit.”