The future of discovery: How technology is unlocking value in mineral exploration

When most people think of investment opportunities, mineral exploration rarely makes the list. And that’s exactly why it’s a space to watch, especially now.

While sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and enterprise software have exploded, mineral exploration hasn't experienced the same rapid growth. Often overlooked, underfunded, and underestimated, there’s a massive opportunity for change in the industry, especially as the urgent need for critical minerals and metals becomes increasingly apparent. As electrification ramps up across all industries and supply chains tighten, key factors for a major shift in mineral exploration are rapidly aligning. 

The Critical Gap

We have only discovered 20% of the critical minerals and metals needed to power the next decade. This leaves a massive gap and an even bigger opportunity to rethink how we find and secure the remaining 80%. While traditional methods have led to success in the past, they lack speed and scale. We need to find a faster, smarter approach to discovery. And, as with other rapidly transformed sectors, the key to success will be technology.

The Rising Stakes

While the mineral exploration industry has begun adopting tech solutions in recent years, the pace of innovation still isn’t fast enough. With external factors, from shifting market conditions to geopolitical tensions, are playing a huge role in how the industry operates and how capital flows, it’s not surprising that the key players are unsure of where to go next. While these pressures won't disappear, they highlight the need for a different approach. Not everything easy has already been found; instead, we must think about new ways to discover and new ways to fund that discovery.

The Technology Advantage

This is where technology, like DORA, VRIFY’s AI-Assisted Mineral Discovery platform, is making a real difference. Today’s investors expect more than potential — they demand a clear, credible path to discovery. Ultimately, they want to see how new tools are helping a company outpace its peers, whether that be through a better way to leverage data, or a more optimized way to work. This means that adopting tech isn’t just about operational improvement, it’s also about strategic foresight and the ability to align with ever-evolving market expectations. 

Solutions that will succeed are those built with a deep understanding of the industry through an acknowledgement that the human expertise of geoscientists will always be the foundation. The key lies in integrating tech into existing workflows, automating tedious tasks, making the most out of existing data, and delivering insights that accelerate discoveries, supporting stronger narratives that appeal to investors. Simply put, applying technology in mineral exploration doesn’t just lead to more discoveries; it creates a virtuous cycle where more critical minerals are found, more capital is raised, and more investors become increasingly confident in the sector overall. 

The New Era of Exploration

After years of capital drought in mineral exploration, things are changing. Technology, especially AI, is creating more clarity, transparency, and opportunity in a historically high-risk sector. Early adopters are already gaining an edge in raising capital, and early investors are starting to take notice.

Willingness to embrace technology in mineral exploration is a tide that will float all boats. As more companies begin to show tangible results and measurable progress, investor perception will shift. This will quicken our ability to secure the resources that will power the future. The mineral hunt is on, and this time the smart money is discovering with data.

If you want to learn more about how tech is changing the investment landscape for mineral exploration, join Steve de Jong, CEO and Co-Founder of VRIFY, for his Web Summit Masterclass “The Billion Dollar Mineral Hunt”. 

The session will explore:

• How tech and AI platforms like DORA are already driving better exploration outcomes

• What founders and funders need to know about this rapidly evolving space

Steve isn’t just a tech founder — he’s been on both sides of the table. Before founding VRIFY, he led a mining company to a major discovery using early-stage technology. Now, he’s building the tools to help others do it faster and with less risk.

This unique perspective will make this session valuable for both tech professionals and strategic investors. 

Details:

 The Billion Dollar Mineral Hunt

•  Masterclass at Web Summit Vancouver, Vancouver Convention Centre

•  May 29, 2-2:45pm PT

Can’t make it to Web Summit? Book a demo on our website to learn more.