Austrian AI Startup Cuts Mineral Discovery Costs to One-Tenth Traditional Rate

Earth AI closed a $20 million Series B funding round on February 27, backing its strategy of controlling drilling operations, data systems, and mineral projects end-to-end. The company discovered three mineral deposits—molybdenum, palladium, and lead-silver—in 2023 for $2.1 million combined. That cost-per-discovery ratio substantially undercuts conventional exploration, suggesting AI could reshape mining economics and accelerate critical minerals supply.