From Space Tech to Subsurface Wealth: Real-Time Geochemical Mapping | Voluna

What if you could "see" the chemical makeup of an ore body a meter underground without ever digging a hole?  In this episode of The ReThink Mining Podcast, Don Toporowski sits down with Al Strange and Elias Fernandini, the founders of Voluna, to discuss how they are repurposing rocket science and nuclear fusion technology to revolutionize mineral exploration. Born from a pivot from lunar mining to Earth's toughest terrains, Voluna uses miniaturized neutron sensors and autonomous drones to provide real-time geochemical data, eliminating the "lab gap" and transforming how we find critical minerals. Key Topics Covered: The Aerospace Pivot: How technology designed for Blue Origin and lunar mining is solving exploration challenges on Earth. Nuclear Fusion for Mining: Leveraging neutron activation analysis to "interrogate" the ground non-invasively. Autonomous Exploration: Using drones to map large land packages with 1-meter resolution accuracy. Speed to Data: Moving from a months-long wait for soil samples to same-day geochemical insights. Safety & Sustainability: Reducing the environmental footprint of exploration and removing workers from dangerous terrain. Proven Value: Instant Decision Making: Accelerate drill placement and project timelines by months. Unmatched Precision: Capture high-fidelity data that traditional soil sampling often misses. Non-Invasive Mapping: Identify gold veins and mineral signatures without physical excavation. About ReThink Mining: ReThink Mining is a non-profit consortium that brings together global mining companies to accelerate collaborative innovation through shared investment and risk. We move innovation forward – faster through collaboration, safer through shared investment.  Visit rethinkmining.org to discover how mining companies are collaborating to transform the industry. #MiningInnovation #MineralExploration #DeepTech #ReThinkMining #CriticalMinerals #FutureOfMining