For decades, the discovery of new deposits has slowed, with most major kimberlite pipes having been located in the 20th century using traditional techniques. Future finds are expected to be buried deeper underground, making advanced technologies essential.

Alrosa’s AI system, designed on large language models and neural networks, processes vast geological datasets to pinpoint promising exploration sites with greater accuracy.

“Our new system is a Russian development, and we are already testing it. Once trials are complete, it will be scaled across all Alrosa territories,” said CEO Pavel Marinychev.

The technology was created by Alrosa’s Digital Laboratory and is powered by over 50 years of the company’s geological and geophysical data, digitised and consolidated into its geodata bank and corporate GIS. By swiftly analysing this information, the AI provides geologists with targeted recommendations and enhances decision-making in exploration strategies.

According to industry estimates, global diamond reserves stand at 1.7–1.9 billion carats, sufficient for only a few decades at current production levels. Russia accounts for more than half of these reserves, making innovations like Alrosa’s AI system pivotal for the future of the diamond sector.