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Aterian PLC on Friday announced a memorandum of understanding with a machine learning stealth-stage start-up that specialises in advanced computational modelling for mineral exploration. The Africa-focused mining company said the parties will collaborate on a multi-phase programme applying the start-up’s multimodal explainable network inference technology to Aterian’s exploration portfolio with an initial focus on the portfolio in Morocco. Aterian said the start-up is spun out from the University of Cambridge and backed by the Royal Academy of Engineering & Entrepreneurs First, the latter a global talent investor co-founded by Matt Clifford, a former AI Opportunities Advisor to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Aterian Chair Charles Bray said: ‘Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to analyse and interpret complex geological data in ways never before possible opens an entirely new chapter in how we explore and discover mineral resources. We see immense potential for this partnership to accelerate Aterian’s exploration planning, unlock hidden value in our portfolio, and deliver transformational benefits for our shareholders while contributing to the global energy transition’s demand for responsibly sourced metals.’ The start-up said: ‘We are excited to work with Aterian to demonstrate the potential of our technology to materially improve exploration outcomes while reducing drilling requirements. By leveraging historical and new data, we aim to help Aterian unlock critical mineral discoveries more efficiently and sustainably.’ Last week Thursday, Aterian announced a ‘significant’ expansion of its copper and silver exploration portfolio, amid an award of three new prospecting licences in the Kalahari Copperbelt in Botswana. The three prospecting licences were awarded to Aterian’s subsidiary Atlantis Metals and cover an area of 329.16 square kilometres. Chair Charles Bray said back then: ‘This strategic expansion represents a meaningful step in enhancing portfolio value for our shareholders. By increasing our presence in the Kalahari Copperbelt, Aterian gains exposure to one of the world’s most prospective copper-silver regions. With copper demand accelerating due to the global energy transition, Aterian is strongly positioned to advance these exploration assets and contribute to the future supply of critical metals. We remain focused on advancing our portfolio and pursuing strategic partnerships or transactions that have the potential to deliver significant value for our shareholders.’ Aterian shares were up 6.7% at 40.00 pence each on Friday morning in London. Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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