Overview
The mineral exploration industry is transforming fast, driven by Al, machine learning (ML), and modern data platforms. Yet no trusted benchmark has existed to capture how technology is actually being used across the sector and what might need to change to encourage adoption and create better solutions.
VRIFY’s 2025 Mineral Exploration Tech Report fills that gap, creating a credible, industry-wide snapshot of adoption, behaviours, perceptions, and momentum.
Quick Stats
Think the industry as a whole will benefit from using AI/ML tools in exploration activities
Use AI/ML at least occasionally in exploration workflows
Spend under 10% of their exploration budget on AI/ML
Identify geologists as the most skeptical toward new tech
Select Findings
Below is an example of what you’ll find in the full report. This is a snapshot of adoption of AI/ML tools from survey respondents.
Respondents reported adopting AI/ML tools primarily to improve efficiency, accelerate target generation, and reduce risk. However, these motivations are balanced by notable barriers, including budget limitations, unclear return on investment, data quality challenges, and limited internal expertise. Skepticism remains most common among teams directly involved in exploration activities.
Among organizations that have implemented AI/ML solutions, the most frequently observed outcomes relate to faster decision-making and more efficient use of resources.
More in-depth analysis, including high-level themes can be found in the full report.
Motivations for Adopting AI/ML Technologies
Barriers to Adoption
Outcomes of Adoption (Outcome since adopting)
"Geology has to lead the way."
-Survey respondent
Methodology
The Mineral Exploration Technology Survey that serves as the basis of this report was designed by VRIFY, Ipsos, and Marina Baslina. The survey collection was conducted online by Ipsos between August 7–24, 2025, gathering feedback from 135 professionals whose roles directly influence exploration strategy, technology selection, and technical workflows.
Key Details
- 18-day field period
- English-only survey
- Respondents spanned: executives, technical leads, specialists, managers, consultants, and more
- Global representation with a skew towards North America, but also including LATAM, Oceania, Europe, and Asia
- Participants recruited via direct outreach, LinkedIn, and industry distribution
The Fine Print
This report is provided for informational purposes only. The data, interpretations, and conclusions contained in this document are based on the survey methods and information available to VRIFY Technology Inc. (“VRIFY”) at the time of preparation. VRIFY does not represent or warrant that the information is accurate, complete, current, or suitable for any particular use.
The user is solely responsible for evaluating the information in this report and for determining how it may be applied. Any reliance on this report is entirely at the user’s own risk. VRIFY does not provide any assurance regarding the results or consequences that may arise from the interpretation, application, or use of the information contained in this document.
VRIFY disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, claim, cost, or consequence of any kind, whether direct or indirect, special or incidental, or consequential or punitive, that arises from or relates to the use of, reliance on, or interpretation of this report. This includes all outcomes associated with commercial activities, financial performance, investment decisions, operational planning, marketing efforts, strategic initiatives, reputational matters, contractual matters, or any other decisions or actions taken by the user.