In this episode from July 2019, Kurt House, CEO and co-founder of Kobold Metals, John Thompson, professor of earth and geosciences at Cornell; and Connie Chan, a16z general partner for consumer, talk with editorial partner Hanne Winarsky about the way technology is transforming how we find cobalt, and the mining industry as a whole, as well as the science behind why cobalt is so critical for batteries, the data and knowledge behind mining today vs the past, and more. 

Kurt House, co-founder and CEO of KoBold Metals, shares insights on revolutionizing the mining industry for the renewable energy transition. He discusses the enormous demand for essential metals like copper and lithium, and how AI and data science are pivotal in discovering these resources. Kurt recounts a significant copper discovery in Zambia, while balancing personal anecdotes from his family trips. He emphasizes the need for innovative exploration techniques and the importance of fostering a supportive culture in mining management.