GoldSpot said its team of geologists and data scientists would apply machine learning to sift through the "tremendous amount of data" Vale had collected at Coleman over several decades. The team will look at the entire database to find "previously unrecognised data trends" to find new discoveries at depth.

GoldSpot said its technology would help cut drilling costs and reduce exploration risk.

The company would employ geoscience and its machine science expertise to "clean, unify and analyse" exploration data from Coleman, which would then render 3-D targets for Vale's exploration programme. GoldSpot will also deliver new geophysical products produced through reprocessing the borehole EM to detect sulphides and new simplified lithological interpretations and models.

"Vale is one of the world's largest nickel producers and the Coleman mine is a major operation in Ontario," said GoldSpot CEO Denis Laviolette.

"To be part of the digital transformation of one of the world's leading diversified miners is an incredible opportunity for our company. At GoldSpot, we are excited to put our technology and team into action on a copper, nickel and precious metals deposit."

Past users of Goldspot's services include Yamana Gold, Hochschild Mining, McEwen Mining, Integra Resources and Sprott Mining are now shareholders, along with Frank Holmes' US Global Investors.