Collaborative Research: CAIG: Mapping Ore Deposits with Artificial Intelligence (MODAI)

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $757,763 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Hyperspectral remote sensing is a data gathering technique that uses advanced sensors - attached to satellites, drones or other devices - to measure the reflection of light off of the Earth's surface. These data can be used to analyze the shape and makeup of a landscape, and can be used to make inferences about the underlying mineral patterns, tectonics, and magmatic processes of a scanned region. This project will develop a new artificial intelligence (AI) framework to analyze hyperspectral data to test critical hypotheses about the formation of ore deposits. By improving the effectiveness of hyperspectral mineral mapping, this project will accelerate the identification of critical mineral resources to improve the nation's economic competitiveness and security. The project will also help develop a modern workforce by training graduate students at the intersection of geosciences and AI. Outreach through workshops, mentorship opportunities, undergraduate internships, and participation of community college students will further broaden the impact. By demonstrating the power of integrating AI with domain expertise in geosciences, this work will serve as a model for interdisciplinary collaboration that can be applied to other disciplines facing similar data-intensive challenges. The proposed research introduces significant innovations at the intersection of AI and geosciences. First, a novel encoder-decoder architecture will be developed for decomposing hyperspectral data i

Key facts

NSF award ID
2530752
Awardee
Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
SAM.gov UEI
U3NKNFLNQ613
PI
Artur Dubrawski
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Critical Minerals & Materials
Estimated total
$757,763
Funds obligated
$757,763
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028