Year founded: 2017
Total funding raised: $17M
Latest funding round: Series A
Country: Australia
Earth AI is redefining how we discover clean energy minerals by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into mineral exploration. Their approach replaces traditional exploration methods with a high-tech system that analyses geological data to pinpoint promising mineral deposits.
Earth AI uses machine learning algorithms to process large datasets and identify areas with high mineral potential. Once a promising site is located, the company employs modular drilling hardware to advance exploration efforts rapidly. This method minimises environmental disruption by focusing only on high-probability locations, significantly cutting exploration costs and emissions.
The startup has collaborated with companies like Kincora Copper and Legacy Minerals to accelerate the discovery of critical minerals needed for renewable energy technologies. Earth AI helps reduce exploration timelines from years to mere months, greatly increasing efficiency.
Year founded: 2023
Total funding raised: Undisclosed
Latest funding round: Pre-seed
Country: Australia
EcoHoist is tackling one of mining's largest contributors to emissions: diesel-powered haul trucks. Their cutting-edge vertical material transport system replaces traditional haulage with a renewable-energy-powered alternative.
EcoHoist’s system uses continuous bucket elevators to move ore and waste from deep underground to the surface. This eliminates the need for fuel-intensive trucks, reducing CO₂ emissions and operating costs. The system is powered by clean electricity and operates bidirectionally, lifting ore while lowering waste material, and optimizing energy use.
In 2024, EcoHoist teamed up with ABB to integrate automation and electrification technologies into their solution. EcoHoist is paving the way for sustainable material transport, slashing emissions and operational costs in the process.
Year founded: 2023
Total funding raised: $200k
Latest funding round: Pre-seed
Country: Singapore
BioMetallica is revolutionising metal recycling with its biometallurgical approach, focusing on extracting precious metals like platinum and palladium from industrial waste and e-waste.
Using engineered bacteria, BioMetallica produces biogenic cyanide, which leaches metals from waste products. This bioleaching process is significantly more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional smelting and chemical methods. The extracted metals are then purified and reused in various industries, creating a circular economy for valuable resources.
BioMetallica’s innovative technology is setting new standards for sustainable and cost-effective metal recovery. Their process cuts greenhouse gas emissions by six times compared to conventional methods.
Year founded: 2019
Total funding raised: $15M
Latest funding round: Series B
Country: Australia
Novalith is transforming the lithium extraction industry with its proprietary carbon dioxide-based process. This process creates high-purity lithium chemicals for batteries while simultaneously capturing CO₂.
Novalith’s process uses CO₂ to extract lithium from hard rock and sedimentary resources. This method replaces harmful chemical reagents with captured CO₂, producing greener, more efficient production. By utilising CO₂, Novalith not only reduces emissions but actively removes carbon from the atmosphere.
Their method has been praised for addressing both cost and environmental challenges, positioning Novalith as a leader in sustainable lithium production. With demand for lithium skyrocketing, Novalith offers a critical solution that aligns with global climate goals.
Year founded: 2017
Total funding raised: $13M
Latest funding round: Series B
Country: Australia
NextOre provides advanced magnetic resonance (MR) ore sorting technology, enabling mining companies to extract more value while reducing waste and environmental harm.
NextOre’s MR technology uses radiofrequency waves to analyse ore grades in real time. This allows for the separation of valuable minerals from waste rock before processing. By pre-concentrating ore, mining operations can drastically reduce energy consumption and tailings, cutting costs and environmental impact.
In October 2023, NextOre secured a strategic partnership and investment from Gebr. Pfeiffer, a leading German comminution technology company. This collaboration aims to integrate NextOre's MR sensing technology with Pfeiffer's grinding solutions, setting new standards in mineral processing efficiency.
NextOre was honored as the Mining Technology Company of the Year at the Mines and Money Awards in December 2022, acknowledging its innovative contributions to the mining sector.