Part-Time
Posted on 3/11/2026
AI-driven mineral exploration for critical metals
$35 - $45/hr
Napa, CA, USA
Hybrid
Occasional in-person tasks near Napa; hybrid role with potential transition to full-time.
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KoBold Metals uses artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery of lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel deposits for clean energy. Its core offering is an AI-driven mineral exploration program that uses a proprietary tool based on the Efficacy of Information to decide what data to collect at each step, reducing uncertainty. It aggregates vast data on Earth's crust physics and chemistry and employs a multidisciplinary team and specialized hardware to turn exploration into a repeatable, science-based process. It competes by heavy data investment and AI-driven decision making, aiming to locate and sell mineral deposits to clean-energy companies to speed the supply of critical minerals.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Late Stage VC
Total Funding
$1.1B
Headquarters
Berkeley, California
Founded
2018
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Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
KoBold Metals launches massive ai-driven Lithium Exploration in DRC. KoBold Metals, Backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, Begins Largest Lithium Exploration Campaign in Democratic Republic of Congo KoBold Metals, a mining company backed by US billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has launched what it describes as the largest lithium exploration campaign in history across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company plans to deploy artificial intelligence and advanced sensor technologies to assess one of the world's richest yet least-explored regions for critical minerals. KoBold Metals will initially explore 13 licences covering more than 3,000 square kilometres, with plans to expand operations to 5,000 square kilometres by the end of the year. The focus will be on the mineral-rich Manono region, where some of the highest-grade lithium pegmatite deposits in the world have been identified, according to the company. The exploration programme includes approximately 30,000 square kilometres of airborne geophysical surveys, the drilling of thousands of boreholes, and the collection of more than 30,000 geochemical samples. The initiative is supported by funding exceeding $50 million, with operations planned through early 2027. "A year ago, KoBold had no employees and no land in the DRC," Chief Executive Officer Kurt House said in a statement. "Today we are the largest American investor in the country, and we are launching the most ambitious mineral exploration programme ever attempted." The campaign highlights strengthening strategic and economic ties between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while underscoring the country's growing importance as a frontier for critical minerals. Despite decades of mining activity, vast portions of the DRC's geological potential remain largely untapped, particularly for minerals essential to the global energy transition. 14 total views, 14 views today
KoBold Metals advances Mingomba Copper project in Zambia. KoBold Metals Begins Mingomba Copper Development in Zambia, Targets Early 2030s Production KoBold Metals, the mining firm backed by U.S. billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has officially commenced development of its Mingomba copper project in Zambia, with production targeted for the early 2030s. The development marks a significant step in Zambia's efforts to expand copper output and strengthen its position in the global energy transition supply chain. The announcement follows closely on a separate regional development in which Burundi signed a three-year agreement with KoBold Metals and Lifezone Metals to explore critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies. Zambia, Africa's second-largest copper producer after the Democratic Republic of Congo, has set an ambitious target to more than triple its copper production to 3 million metric tons annually by 2031. Projects such as Mingomba are expected to play a central role in achieving this goal. "We've started mine development," said Mfikeyi Makayi, CEO of KoBold Metals Africa, in comments to Reuters. "We are now fully engaged in the permitting process to secure approvals for construction. Shaft sinking is expected in early 2027, and at this pace, we aim to bring the mine into production in the early 2030s." KoBold has already completed land acquisitions for critical infrastructure, including processing facilities, a tailings storage facility, and administrative buildings. The Mingomba project is expected to require an investment of between $2.3 billion and $2.5 billion and could produce approximately 300,000 metric tons of copper annually. On financing, Makayi indicated that while partnerships may be considered in the future, the company is currently advancing the project independently. "It's an attractive project, and while many mining developments involve partnerships, KoBold has sufficient capacity to progress at this stage," she said. Strategic Context: Global Competition for Critical Minerals The Mingomba project comes as the United States intensifies efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals used in electronics, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles. Africa is increasingly central to this global competition, with countries across the continent emerging as key suppliers of copper, cobalt, lithium, and other strategic resources. KoBold Metals, which leverages artificial intelligence to identify deposits of copper, cobalt, nickel, and lithium, is expanding its footprint beyond Zambia. The company recently secured exploration permits in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is also active in Namibia, while assessing opportunities in Botswana, an emerging copper exploration hub. Policy Shifts Across Africa's Mining Sector At the same time, African governments are taking a more assertive approach to managing their natural resources. Countries including Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Ghana have introduced reforms such as higher royalties and revised mining codes. These measures reflect a broader push to capture greater value from mineral wealth while continuing to attract foreign investment. 116 total views, 5 views today
KoBold Metals, a California-based AI mining firm, has raised $200 million in funding. The company has sold approximately $163.4 million in equity since October 30, as per a recent SEC filing. This is KoBold's second funding round this year, following a $537 million round in January that valued the company at $2.96 billion. The firm is backed by CPP Investments and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and has shown interest in exploring mineral sites in Quebec.
The DRC government said on July 18 it had signed an agreement with KoBold to jointly develop the southern section of the Manono lithium and tin deposit, one of the world's largest untapped sources of the battery metal.
AVZ Minerals is selling its stake in the Manono lithium project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to KoBold Metals.