Artificial intelligence (AI), advanced data analytics, cloud computing and digital mapping are reshaping how mineral exploration is conducted. Some mining companies are moving quickly. Others are still determining where these tools create real value. Yet for all the discussion around innovation, there is surprisingly little objective data showing how technology is actually being adopted across the industry.
That’s why Resource Works is once again supporting the 2026 Mineral Exploration Tech Survey, led by VRIFY in partnership with Ipsos.
The goal is straightforward: build a reliable benchmark that helps the industry better understand where technology is making a difference, what barriers remain, and how adoption is changing over time. Last year’s inaugural survey established an important baseline. This year’s results will show how the industry is evolving and where the next opportunities may lie.
In 2025, 135 qualified industry professionals participated in the inaugural Mineral Exploration Tech Survey offering a snapshot of how AI and machine learning (ML) tools have been adopted across the mineral exploration sector. A few highlights from last year’s report include:
- 56% of respondents use AI/ML tools at least occasionally, 21% regularly, and 10% never.
- 78% of respondents include Al/ML evaluation within their job scope.
- 46% of respondents identify geologist as the most skeptical group, followed by field (34%) and then executives (29%)
- 40% of respondents cite AI mineral targeting, data-base upgrades or collaborative cloud-based geoscience tools as top near-term focuses when it comes to technology.
Perhaps most notably, nearly eight in ten respondents said evaluating AI and machine learning is already part of their role—clear evidence that these technologies are moving from experimentation into adoption in everyday mineral exploration.
Whether you work in exploration, mining, consulting, or engineering, your perspective matters in shaping this year’s survey. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, responses are anonymous and confidential, and the findings will be published later this year in a comprehensive report available to the industry.
Complete the survey before September 13, 2026 and help build the benchmark the industry needs to understand where it’s heading next.
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