Strategic Geo-data for smarter, cleaner critical minerals mining

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are indispensable to the technologies powering the global shift toward decarbonisation and digitalisation. These materials are essential for manufacturing batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, and other infrastructure that supports renewable energy and electric mobility. However, the path to securing these resources is fraught with challenges, including geological complexity and environmental sensitivity.

We address these challenges by equipping stakeholders with high-resolution, time-sensitive subsurface data that supports informed decision-making from exploration through closure. By integrating legacy datasets with new geophysical and geochemical observations, we enable a more complete understanding of mineral systems and their surrounding environments. This empowers clients to identify viable deposits earlier, reduce exploration costs, and design extraction strategies that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. In doing so, we not only support the energy transition but also help ensure that it is achieved responsibly and equitably.

The critical minerals sector is navigating a rapidly evolving landscape marked by increasing technical complexity, environmental scrutiny, and geopolitical tension. As shallow, high-grade deposits become scarce, exploration is shifting to deeper and more structurally complex terrains, where the risk of encountering unknown geohazards and variable ground conditions is significantly higher. At the same time, operators must comply with rigorous environmental regulations, manage water resources sustainably, and ensure the structural integrity of tailings storage facilities under the watchful eye of communities and investors.

We address these multifaceted challenges by integrating geoscientific data with engineering and environmental parameters into dynamic, spatially aware models. These models are continuously refined using probabilistic analysis and scenario planning, enabling early identification of risks and more resilient project design. By delivering a unified view of subsurface conditions, we help clients reduce uncertainty, improve stakeholder confidence, and maintain compliance throughout the project life cycle.

Our approach to risk management is rooted in the continuous integration and interpretation of diverse datasets ranging from geological and geotechnical to hydrogeological and environmental. Our satellite-derived terrain and water quality monitoring capabilities enhance this approach by enabling early assessment of geotechnical stability and environmental hazards before they impact operations. These data are synthesised into evolving digital models that reflect the spatial and temporal variability of subsurface conditions. By applying advanced analytics, including machine learning and statistical modelling, we enable clients to quantify uncertainty and simulate various development scenarios. This allows for early detection of potential hazards such as unstable soils, groundwater intrusion, or seismic vulnerability.

The ability to visualise and assess these risks in a dynamic, data-rich environment empowers clients to make proactive decisions that reduce permitting delays, avoid costly redesigns, and enhance construction safety. Our risk management framework is embedded across all project phases, ensuring that technical, financial, and regulatory considerations are addressed in a cohesive and forward-looking manner.

In the early stages of project development, when decisions have the greatest influence on cost and schedule, we deliver rapid, low-impact insights that guide site selection and layout optimisation. By leveraging remote sensing, surface geophysics, and legacy data integration, we construct preliminary ground models that reveal key geological structures, material variability, and potential geohazards. Our bathymetric and elevation models further enhance these capabilities by informing infrastructure siting decisions and environmental baseline assessments. These models are refined using advanced analytical techniques and platforms including GroundIQ® for subsurface mapping, Deep Drive® for deep penetration testing, and VirGeo® for integrated geological analysis. This comprehensive approach enables targeted investigations that reduce unnecessary fieldwork and associated costs while accelerating site selection and resource estimation processes.

This early insight supports more efficient permitting, improves alignment with environmental and community expectations, and lays the foundation for resilient infrastructure design. Our ability to deliver these insights quickly and with minimal environmental disturbance provides a competitive advantage in a market where early certainty is critical to securing investment and accelerating development.

We enhance mineral exploration by combining non-invasive sensing technologies with geochemical and structural analysis to rapidly assess large areas for mineral potential. Our high-resolution terrain mapping and land cover analysis capabilities streamline site characterisation and improve the accuracy of resource estimation from the earliest stages. This integrated approach allows for the early identification of mineralisation zones, fault systems, and hydrogeological features that influence deposit viability. By fusing historical data with new observations, we construct preliminary three-dimensional models that inform drilling strategies and reduce the need for extensive exploratory campaigns. Our drone-based lidar surveys add another dimension to this capability, enabling detailed pit analysis, slope stability assessments, and three-dimensional structural mapping that enhances mineral discovery potential.

These models are continuously updated as new data becomes available, improving the accuracy of resource estimates and supporting early-stage feasibility assessments. The result is a more efficient exploration process that lowers costs, shortens timelines, and increases confidence in investment decisions, particularly in regions where access is limited or environmental sensitivity is high.

During the development phase, we refine subsurface models using data from borehole investigations, laboratory testing, and hydrogeological studies. These models provide detailed insights into soil and rock behaviour, groundwater dynamics, and geohazard potential, enabling engineers to design infrastructure that is tailored to site-specific conditions. Accurate elevation and slope data support mine design, pit optimization, and haul road planning.

By applying advanced analytics and simulation tools, we reduce uncertainty and support value engineering, allowing for optimised foundation design, slope stability analysis, and water management strategies. This approach not only improves technical performance but also reduces material usage, construction costs, and environmental impact. Our ability to deliver high-fidelity, decision-ready data at this stage ensures that development is both economically viable and aligned with sustainability and regulatory goals.

We support construction by delivering real-time, high-resolution assessments of ground conditions that inform infrastructure design, sequencing, and execution. Through a combination of surface and subsurface imaging, in situ testing, and laboratory analysis, we identify load-bearing capacity and subsurface anomalies that could affect construction safety and efficiency. Our precise terrain mapping and land classification capabilities enhance infrastructure layout planning and provide critical data for slope stability analysis throughout the construction process.

These insights are integrated into digital models that are continuously updated as new data is collected, ensuring that construction decisions remain aligned with actual site conditions. This reduces the risk of delays, rework, and cost overruns while enhancing safety and material efficiency. Our approach enables contractors to respond dynamically to changing conditions, improving overall project performance and stakeholder confidence.

In the operational phase, we enable continuous oversight of infrastructure and environmental conditions through a combination of sensor networks, satellite monitoring, and in situ measurements. These systems detect changes in ground movement, structural integrity, and water levels, providing early warnings of potential issues before they escalate into failures. Satellite-based water quality monitoring enables early detection of contaminants and supports ongoing regulatory compliance near operational sites.

Data is processed and visualised in near real-time, allowing operators to make informed decisions that extend asset life, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. This proactive approach supports efficient resource use, minimises environmental impact, and enhances the long-term sustainability of mining operations. Our ability to deliver reliable, real-time insights positions it as a critical partner in maintaining operational excellence.

Our maintenance solutions focus on the ongoing evaluation of critical infrastructure components such as tailings dams, pipelines, and processing facilities. By integrating structural health monitoring with predictive analytics, we help clients assess degradation, forecast performance, and prioritise maintenance activities. These insights are derived from a combination of sensor data, geotechnical models, and environmental observations, enabling targeted interventions that reduce downtime and prevent failures. Our digital terrain models provide accurate elevation data for slope stability and geotechnical risk assessments. Additionally, continuous monitoring of water bodies and land cover changes helps to detect degradation and support proactive interventions.

This approach ensures that infrastructure remains safe, functional, and compliant with evolving standards. Our ability to deliver tailored, data-driven maintenance strategies supports cost-effective asset management and reinforces long-term operational resilience.

As mining projects approach closure, we provide the data and analysis needed to decommission infrastructure safely and restore sites to a stable, environmentally sound condition. This includes evaluating residual contamination, assessing land stability, and designing remediation strategies that align with regulatory and community expectations. Subsurface imaging and environmental sampling are used to verify that reclamation goals are met and to monitor long-term restoration effectiveness. We also support long-term environmental monitoring and rehabilitation planning, ensuring sustainable post-closure outcomes. Land cover classification supports reclamation planning and biodiversity assessments throughout the mine closure process.

Our transparent, data-driven approach ensures that closure activities are documented, auditable, and aligned with sustainability commitments. By reducing long-term liabilities and fostering trust with stakeholders, we help clients complete the mining life cycle responsibly and with confidence.