AI to Unleash Botswana’s Diamond Treasure Trove

Botswana Diamonds (BOD) is betting big on artificial intelligence (AI) to crack open the secrets of its vast mineral-rich territory. The AIM-listed company has embarked on an ambitious project to explore its 95,000 square-kilometre database using cutting-edge AI technology.

With a treasure trove of data at its fingertips, including 375,000km of airborne geophysical data, 606 ground surveys, and over 228,000 soil samples, BOD is facing a daunting task. But the company believes AI could be the key to unlocking the potential of this data-rich environment.

“The sheer scale of data we’re dealing with is overwhelming for human analysts,” said BOD chairperson John Teeling. “AI gives us the power to process this information at lightning speed, identifying patterns and anomalies that could point to new diamond deposits.”

BOD is using Planetary AI Explore, a sophisticated system that combines semantic technology with machine learning. It’s like having a super-intelligent geologist on staff, capable of understanding complex geological data and identifying potential mineralisation zones.

“This technology is a game-changer,” said Teeling. “It’s like having a team of geologists working around the clock, but without the coffee breaks. We’re excited to see what it can uncover.”

The company expects to have initial results within the next four to six weeks. If successful, this could be a watershed moment for BOD, potentially leading to the discovery of new diamond deposits and other valuable minerals.

Botswana, already renowned for its diamonds, could be on the cusp of an even brighter future.