CopperTech Metals has formed a strategic partnership with Axiom Group, VBKOM and Fleet Space Technologies to deploy advanced geoscience and AI tools at its Konkola copper mine in Zambia.
The company aims to sharpen exploration accuracy and accelerate resource development at one of the world’s highest-grade copper assets.
CopperTech, a US-based firm launched by Vedanta Resources last November, controls the asset through Konkola Copper Mines. Konkola carries ore grades between 2.9 per cent and 3.3 per cent copper. It also hosts roughly 16 million tonnes of contained copper in combined reserves and resources.
Additionally, CopperTech plans to use next-generation mining systems to expand and better define that resource. The company said it wants to move faster from exploration to production decisions.
The partnership brings together Axiom’s geoscience team, VBKOM’s mining systems expertise and Fleet Space’s ExoSphere platform. ExoSphere uses satellite-enabled sensors and artificial intelligence to collect and interpret subsurface data.
Furthermore, Axiom will embed Fleet’s system into a high-resolution 3-D seismic survey at Konkola. The survey will map the orebody and nearby zones in detail. It will generate updated ore body knowledge models and AI-assisted drill targets.
Consequently, engineers expect clearer drill planning and fewer dry holes. The approach aims to reduce uncertainty in complex geological settings.
CopperTech chief executive Deshnee Naidoo said the company is integrating advanced technology across its vertically aligned mining chain. She explained that the goal is to improve how teams identify targets and convert discoveries into defined resources.
Additionally, Naidoo said the partnership combines global technical skill with real-time data tools. She indicated that this combination should raise confidence in exploration results and speed up decisions.
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Model promotes faster learning cycles
Axiom chief executive Doug Engdahl described the collaboration as a shift in how miners deploy innovation. He said the partners intend to build long-term operational capability, not just short-term gains.
Meanwhile, Fleet Space will provide continuous data feeds through its AI-powered analytics platform. The system processes seismic and geophysical signals and translates them into actionable drilling guidance. Furthermore, VBKOM will align the new geological data with mine planning systems. This integration should help teams connect exploration results directly to production schedules.
CopperTech said the model promotes faster learning cycles. It also aims to cut costs tied to inefficient drilling campaigns.
Subsequently, the company expects stronger resource confidence at Konkola. Higher confidence can support mine life planning and capital allocation. The Saskatchewan-based Axiom said the partnership reflects growing industry demand for data-rich exploration. Additionally, the companies believe space-enabled sensing and AI will reshape how miners evaluate subsurface potential.
