Bottom lines up front  2

Executive summary  2

Introduction: Africa, critical minerals, and technology  3

Section 1: AI's potential to transform mining from exploration to processing in Africa  6

1.1. Untangling disparate AI uses for mining applications  6

1.2. Contemporary AI and data applications in global mining  7

1.3. Agentic AI and mining policy  8

Section 2: Snapshot of AI use cases for mining in Africa  9

2.1. AI-driven mineral exploration and deposit discovery  9

2.2. AI uses in African mining operations  12

2.3. AI uses in African processing  12

2.4. AI uses in traceability and supply chain transparency  13

2.5. AI uses in policy modeling and supply chain resilience  14

2.6. Challenges in uptake and uneven adoption  14

Section 3: Strategic and policy recommendations  16

3.1. Building US government capacity and alliances for AI and mining  16

3.2. Mobilizing capital for AI, digitalization, and mining adaptation  16

3.3. Expand US bilateral, export, and diplomatic tools  16

3.4. Supporting African governance, data sharing, and local expertise  17

3.5 Promote "skills-to-work" systems and local expertise  17

Conclusion: An integrated agenda for smart mining in Africa  19

About the Authors  20

Atlantic Council Board of Directors  21