HIGHLIGHTS

• AI can reduce mineral discovery costs from hundreds of millions to under $1 million per discovery.
• The global decline in new mineral discoveries is due to exhausted “low-hanging fruit,” not a lack of minerals.
• Earth AI achieves higher success rates by adding geological context to anomaly detection.
• Vertical integration dramatically lowers drilling costs and logistical delays.
• Australia’s mining-friendly policies make it ideal for rapid exploration and development.
• Critical minerals supply is a geopolitical challenge tied to China and Russia’s dominance.
• Mining exploration should be treated as a scalable pipeline, not a lottery.
• AI can reveal entirely new “shortcuts” in exploration that humans may overlook.
• The next 10–20 years could redefine how mining and resource development operate.
• Abundance of critical minerals is essential for global reindustrialization and energy transition.

SUMMARY

In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen sits down with Roman Teslyuk, CEO and founder of Earth AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming mineral exploration. Roman shares his personal journey from geology student to global explorer, and explains how Earth AI uses decades of geological archive data to dramatically improve discovery success rates while reducing costs. The conversation covers the decline in global mineral discoveries, the inefficiencies of traditional exploration methods, and why vertically integrated, AI-driven drilling could reshape the critical minerals supply chain. The episode also highlights Australia’s mining ecosystem, geopolitical supply risks, and why the next decade may represent a golden age for mining innovation.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Earth AI and Roman Teslyuk
01:08 Roman’s Journey into Geology and Exploration
03:53 The Mission to Create Abundance of Critical Materials
05:57 Why New Mineral Discoveries Are Declining
09:44 AI vs. Traditional Exploration Methods
11:25 Why Australia Is the Ideal Mining Environment
14:11 Earth AI’s Team and Vertical Integration Model
17:14 Economics of Mineral Discovery and Project Sales
21:21 Technical and Industry Challenges of Using AI
27:22 Cost Advantages and Operational Efficiency
29:43 The Future Impact of AI on Mining
31:45 How to Connect with Earth AI

Highlights

• Hugh Broadhurst has a strong background in chemical engineering and lithium extraction.
• Aclara Resources focuses on heavy rare earths from ionic clay deposits.
• The company has a patented process called circular mineral harvesting.
• Aclara is in the final stages of obtaining permits for their project in Brazil.
• The timeline for production is set for mid-2028.
• Aclara aims to vertically integrate their operations, including a refinery in Louisiana.
• Partnerships with institutions like Virginia Tech and Argonne National Lab are crucial for Aclara's success.
• Market dynamics for heavy rare earths are evolving, with a need for pricing stability.
• Government support is essential for the heavy rare earths industry.
• AI is being leveraged to enhance exploration and process technology.

SUMMARY

In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen and co-host Daniel O'Connor welcome Hugh Broadhurst, COO of Aclara Resources. They discuss Hugh's background in the chemical industry and his transition to Aclara, where the company focuses on extracting heavy rare earths from ionic clay deposits. The conversation delves into the technical challenges of developing a separation plant, the geology of ionic clay deposits, and Aclara's project status and future plans. They also explore the importance of partnerships, market dynamics, and the role of government in supporting the heavy rare earths industry. Hugh shares insights on operational scalability, the integration of AI in exploration, and Aclara's commitment to providing clarity in the complex world of rare earths.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Aclara Resources and Hugh's Background
02:53 Technical Challenges in Heavy Rare Earths Extraction
05:48 Geology of Ionic Clay Deposits
08:51 Aclara's Project Status and Future Plans
11:50 Midstream Refining and Separation Strategies
14:57 Partnerships and Pilot Projects
17:52 Market Dynamics and Pricing Challenges
21:00 Government Role in Heavy Rare Earths
24:07 Operational Scalability and AI in Exploration
26:58 Aclara's Integrated Approach to Supply Chain
29:59 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Highlights

• Tom Jones combines metallurgy and environmentalism in his work.
• The public in Europe often opposes mining despite its necessity.
• The Critical Raw Materials Act aims to reduce dependency on third countries.
• Implementation of mining permits is a significant challenge in Europe.
• There is a lack of talent in the mining sector due to historical disinterest.
• Recycling of critical metals is currently not economically viable.
• The processing of rare earths is a complex and underdeveloped area in Europe.
• Climate change is impacting mining access in previously unviable regions.
• A consistent narrative is needed to promote the importance of metallurgy.
• Reindustrialization is essential for Europe to achieve its climate goals.

SUMMARY

In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen and co-host Daniel O'Connor welcome Tom Jones, director of the SIM2 Institute. Tom shares his unique perspective as a metallurgist and environmentalist, discussing the critical role of metals in achieving a climate-neutral society. The conversation delves into the paradox of mining in Europe, the challenges posed by the Critical Raw Materials Act, and the structural issues affecting the mining industry, including a lack of talent and public resistance. Tom emphasizes the importance of recycling and the choke points in processing rare earths, while also addressing the need for reindustrialization in Europe to meet climate goals. The episode concludes with a call to action for a consistent narrative around the importance of metallurgy in the transition to a sustainable future.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Metallurgy and Sustainability
02:09 The Paradox of Mining in Europe
06:01 Critical Raw Materials Act and Its Challenges
10:33 Structural Issues in Mining and Talent Shortage
17:14 The Choke Point of Processing Rare Earths
25:04 Recycling Challenges in the Supply Chain
32:49 The Future of Metallurgy and Education
39:11 Changing the Narrative for a Sustainable Future